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BUILDING THE NEXT GENERATION: Dena Scott Helping Shape the Future of Texas Coaching
Dena Scott has long been a trailblazer in Texas high school athletics.
During her tenure as athletics director for Fort Bend Independent School District, Scott helped shape one of the premier athletic departments in the state. Now, she’s taking her impact to another level.
Scott has been named Program Director of Future Coaches of Texas, a curriculum developed through Texas A&M University designed to create a pipeline for the next generation of coaches.
The concept is simple — but powerful.
Think Career and Technical Education (CTE) for students who are interested in pursuing coaching as a career path.
The program provides high school students with hands-on learning, mentorship and exposure to the profession, while also addressing a growing need across the state: developing future leaders on the sidelines.
It’s a win for students — and for the future of coaching in Texas.
VYPE’s Matt Malatesta caught up with Dena Scott to learn more about the newly launched program and how it could shape the industry for years to come.
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IMPORTANT LINKS
THE INTERVIEW
Riley Rayome was named an All-American
TEXAS TRAILBLAZERS: Lone Star Wrestlers Make History at First NCAA Women’s Championship
History was made on several fronts this weekend in the world of college women’s wrestling.
The inaugural 2026 NCAA Women's Wrestling Championship was held at Xtream Arena, where several Texans left their mark on the sport’s biggest stage.
Leading the way was Riley Rayome, who became the first female wrestler from Texas to earn NCAA All-American honors. The The Woodlands High School alum and three-time Texas high school state champion finished as the runner-up in the 117-pound division for North Central College.
Even more impressive? Rayome accomplished the feat as a freshman, finishing the season with a 27-5 record.
“I am so proud of how I performed this season,” Rayome said. “I knew in my heart what I was capable of doing, and although I fell short, I definitely let the world know that Riley Rayome is a name to watch out for. I’m not satisfied and I’m going to keep climbing this ladder as high as I can — and have fun doing it.”
Another historic milestone came courtesy of Xochitl Mota-Pettis. The former Klein High School standout became the first Texas female to win an NCAA women’s wrestling national championship, capturing the 124-pound title for Quincy University.
More Lone Star talent made the podium as well. Rewa Chababo, a graduate of Mayde Creek High School, earned bronze in the 207-pound division while competing for Wartburg College, finishing the season with a 29-3 record.
And while she didn’t place, Megan Edwards of Rockwall High School earned one of the most prestigious honors of the weekend — the NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete Award, given to the competitor with the highest GPA at the national tournament.
The first NCAA Women’s Wrestling Championship made history.
Texas made sure it was part of it.
WATCH THE PODCAST WITH RILEY RAYOME -- A LOOK BACK











































