What's Happening?
David Scott has been named the new head baseball coach at Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis. Scott previously served as the head baseball coach at Cardinal Ritter High School from 2014-2025, where his teams achieved significant success, including
five sectional titles, two regional titles, one semistate title, and a state championship in 2017. During his tenure at Cardinal Ritter, the Raiders also secured six Indiana Crossroads Conference titles, with undefeated records in his first five seasons. Before his time at Cardinal Ritter, Scott coached for eight seasons at Indianapolis Washington, seven of which were as head coach. He stepped away from high school coaching in 2025-2026 to become the athletic director at Christel House Watanabe High School, a position he still holds. Scott's move to Bishop Chatard is motivated by a desire to coach his own children, who are likely to attend the school, and to provide them with a quality Catholic education. He is assembling a coaching staff that includes former players and assistants from his Cardinal Ritter days, such as Kyle Price, Fred Sheats, and Damien Wallace.
Why It's Important?
This appointment marks a significant leadership change for Bishop Chatard High School's baseball program, bringing in a coach with a proven track record of success and program development. Scott's previous achievements, including a state championship and multiple conference titles, suggest a potential for elevated performance and competitiveness for Bishop Chatard. His emphasis on year-round athletic competition across multiple sports for his players indicates a holistic approach to athlete development, which could benefit student-athletes beyond just baseball. The move also highlights the personal motivations that can drive coaching decisions, as Scott prioritizes family and educational values in his career choices. The integration of a turf field at Bishop Chatard, a feature Scott is enthusiastic about, could also enhance training opportunities and game play, potentially attracting more talent to the program and improving overall team performance.
What's Next?
Scott plans to immediately begin preparing the Bishop Chatard baseball team for the upcoming season. While there was no IHSAA Limited Contact Period team activity due to many players participating in fall sports, Scott has met with the team, advising them on individual training like long toss and hitting. Weight training is scheduled to commence after the football season concludes. The next IHSAA Limited Contact Period window opens on December 7, at which point full team activities will begin and continue through the end of the season. Scott intends to field three teams in 2027: varsity, junior varsity, and freshman. He is also actively finalizing his coaching staff, bringing in experienced individuals who have worked with him previously. The program will be active on Instagram at @bishopchatardbaseball to keep the community updated on developments.
Beyond the Headlines
Scott's transition to Bishop Chatard reflects a broader trend in high school athletics where coaches seek environments that align with personal and family values, often balancing professional ambition with familial commitments. His philosophy of encouraging multi-sport athletes challenges the increasing specialization seen in youth sports, promoting a more well-rounded athletic development that can reduce burnout and foster diverse skill sets. The emphasis on a 'quality Catholic education' also underscores the role of faith-based institutions in providing specific educational and athletic environments that appeal to families. Furthermore, the strategic advantage of modern facilities like turf fields in high school sports highlights the ongoing investment in infrastructure to enhance athletic programs and attract top coaching talent and student-athletes, potentially creating a competitive edge within local leagues.
