New Era Begins: Tyler Waters Named Head Coach of Lakeland Boys Basketball
By: Justin Bradley | SportzWire | June 16, 2026 | Photo courtesy Sportzwire Archives
Scott Township Resident Brings Passion, Grit, and a Vision for the Future of Chiefs Basketball
SCOTT TOWNSHIP, PA — A new chapter is underway for Lakeland Boys Basketball.
In May 2026, the Lakeland School District officially named Tyler Waters as the new head coach of the Chiefs boys basketball program, entrusting a familiar face within the community to lead the next generation of Lakeland athletes. Waters succeeds Trevor Tellip and takes over the program with a clear vision centered on toughness, accountability, and building a culture that players and fans can take pride in.
For Waters, the opportunity is about much more than basketball.
As a Scott Township resident, Lakeland parent, and longtime student of the game, he views the position as a chance to make a lasting impact on the young men who will wear the Chiefs uniform.
“I’m excited to bring a different fire and energy to the Lakeland basketball program,” Waters said. “My goal is to transfer the edge and grit that I developed learning the game of basketball in New Jersey and instill that same toughness and competitiveness into these young men. Something they can take with them long after they leave Lakeland.”
Waters’ basketball journey began in New Jersey, where he played at Henry Hudson Regional High School and earned Shore Conference All-Star honors in 2006. Competing in one of the state’s most competitive basketball environments helped shape the mindset he still carries today.
Following high school, Waters continued his playing career at Marywood University, where he spent four seasons competing for the Pacers. His passion for the game soon evolved into coaching, serving as a student assistant under longtime Marywood Women’s Basketball coach Tara Macciocco following his playing career.
Since then, Waters has remained active in the local basketball community, gaining valuable experience at multiple levels of the game. He volunteered with the Mountain View girls basketball program during its memorable 2023-24 season that ended with a PIAA State Runner-Up finish and spent the past two seasons serving as Assistant Varsity and Junior Varsity Coach for the Lakeland girls basketball program under Kelly Vogt.
Those experiences helped prepare him for the opportunity now in front of him.
While Waters wants his teams to compete at a high level, he believes the most important lessons extend beyond wins and losses.
His goal is to build a program defined by relentless effort, discipline, resilience, and a commitment to one another.
“I’m looking forward to earning the support of the Lakeland community and giving them something to be excited about,” Waters said. “For there to be an energy in the gym that everyone wants to witness first hand. And for the kids to have a coach that isn’t afraid to jump in the fire with them. To bleed and sweat next to them day in and day out. To show them what it feels like and what it looks like to commit yourself to a goal and to work relentlessly toward achieving it.”
That commitment to the community is personal.
Waters and his wife, Alicia, are raising their three sons, Nixon, Carson, and Jordan, within the Lakeland School District. As both a coach and parent, he understands the importance of creating an environment that develops strong athletes, strong teammates, and ultimately strong young men.
As preparations begin for the 2026-27 season, excitement is already building around the future of the program. Waters hopes to establish a style of play and culture that reflects the hardworking spirit of the Lakeland community while creating an atmosphere that brings students, families, and alumni together on game nights.
The message from the new head coach is simple: work hard, compete harder, and embrace the challenge.
For Lakeland Boys Basketball, a new era has officially arrived, and Tyler Waters is ready to lead it.
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