After the 2014-2015 basketball season, which ended in a 4-23 record, the culture of Hornets basketball changed completely. The athletics program brought in Perry Webster—who was named tournament MVP when he led Saddleback College to a state championship and notched another state title for the team later as an assistant coach. In the next two years, the program saw tremendous success under his leadership, ending the 2017 season with a 23-6 record. In 2019, the Hornets capped off a historic 30-3 season as the CCCAA state champions and came back in 2023 with another state championship.
Webster has made a name for himself as the head basketball coach of the Hornets, not only as a coach but someone who is beloved in the program by athletes and fellow coaches. The most distinguishing quality about Webster that players love is his dedication to making sure that players move onto the next level to as competitive athletes.
Webster developed a love for basketball when he was just two years old. Webster says that becoming a basketball coach is probably the least surprising thing ever. “It’s been pretty much what I’ve wanted to do my whole life,” Webster says.
His overall love for basketball is what helped him develop his passion for coaching. But what truly drives him is his love for the development of young people. “At this level, this is some players’ last chance at the opportunity for a scholarship,” Webster says. “So, me being able to impart some wisdom, knowledge, as well as discipline onto them to help them achieve their academic and athletic goals really is something that inspires me daily.”
Starting in the summer, there’s a simple process he has in getting the team ready for the championship games. He helps them develop their strength, skills and team comradery. There isn’t much difference between preparing them for the championship game as there is for the first game of the season. Webster says he always makes sure to approach every game with the same dedication.
Not many coaches can say they have won a championship as a head coach, assistant, as well as a player. Webster was a starter for four years at Mission Viejo High School and was CIF Southern Section champion as a freshman. He was also a three-time Diablos league MVP, First-Team All-Orange County selection, as well as South County player of the year. In 2007, his jersey was retired at Mission Viejo High School.
He took that energy from his high school legacy right into his coaching career. “When you talk about the 2010s and community college basketball teams, you’re going to have to talk about me forever so that’s something that I’m proud of. But I still yearn to do more,” Webster says. He only wants to strive to keep pushing himself and the team forward.
Returning player and point guard Justin Davis describes how it’s been returning for another season being coached under Webster. “Perry’s probably the best coach in the state and the country, so coming back under him knowing what I know from last year, it’s been great so far,” Davis says.
While Webster is known for his basketball achievements, his core values as a husband and father are at the heart of who he is. “The banners that hang in that gym have my children in them,” Webster says, tying together his personal and professional legacy.
One thing that has increasingly helped build team morale is getting everyone to be part of the team and holding each other accountable to the same standard. “If you’re not playing hard and you’re not playing for the team, then you’re not going to play,” says Webster.
With every team there will always be disagreements between players, but Webster makes sure there is always an open line of communication, so things don’t fester over time. At the end of every practice, Webster asks if any players have comments to help the team. He also has meetings individually with players two to three times a week. If there are ever any concerns, players are always able to communicate freely. “The thing that I ultimately do best and is different than a lot of people is I speak clear truth and sometimes the truth hurts,” Webster says. “I try to see their truth as well as my truth.” Some players can come in with overconfidence in themselves, but Webster emphasizes that the success of the program comes first.
Webster values creativity in play, but emphasizes that they need to learn the basics first. “It’s not always a democracy. You have to do what the team needs you to do.” Webster says. “So, getting players to buy into roles and getting them to do what’s needed of them is something that’s hard to do, but it’s required in order to be successful.”
Webster has a clear vision for what he wants his legacy to be as the Hornets head coach. He wants to be seen as somebody that poured his heart into changing the lives of young people for the better. “Obviously I want to be known as a winner. That is important to me. And as a family man. I want everyone who’s seen me or knows me to know how important being a husband and a father is for me,” Webster says.
Webster’s relentless pursuit of excellence is evident in his coaching philosophy and leadership style. And he isn’t done yet. “If I was just satisfied with the two championships Fullerton College has won, I’d be doing a disservice to my players,” he says. His drive to push himself and the team forward is as strong as ever, ensuring the Hornets will continue to be a force on the court for years to come.
