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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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THE INTERVIEW
A STAR IN BORN: Coats takes over coveted Atascocita football program
Kyle Coats keeps a Dallas Cowboys star tucked inside an envelope in his desk — a small reminder of a childhood dream that’s followed him everywhere. It’s been with him at the University of Texas at Austin, at DeSoto High School, and most recently at College Park High School.
For Coats, that symbol represents the long-term goal he’s chased since childhood: one day becoming head coach of the Cowboys. Atascocita is simply the next step in that journey.
“Yep, that star will always stay with me,” Coats laughed. “I might be 65 when I accomplish that goal, or I may never get there — but you have to keep pushing toward big goals.”
He leaves College Park better than he found it. The Cavaliers are coming off a district championship and a third-round playoff run — the deepest in program history.
“I love College Park — the players, the community, the people,” he said. “I don’t want those kids to think they did anything wrong. This is a decision for my family and my career. They’ve been incredible.
“I pick them to win district next year with what they have coming back. My message is simple: I never took a snap at College Park. Those guys believed in each other and won those games. I just had the honor of steering the ship.”
Now Coats steps into arguably the toughest district in Texas, featuring powers like North Shore Mustangs, Summer Creek Bulldogs, CE King Panthers, Humble Wildcats, Crosby Cougars, and Channelview Falcons.
“I love putting myself and the people around me in challenging situations,” he said. “Atascocita is a special place. We’re going to get boots on the ground quickly and start building. We’ll be visible in the community and engaged — just like we were at College Park.
“I love playing the big dogs every week and seeing if we can make a run. We want to be considered one of the best programs in the state every time we step on the field.
“When I was at Texas, winning a national championship was preached every day. At DeSoto, if you didn’t win or reach state, the season felt incomplete. That’s the mindset we’re bringing here. It’s high praise — but also high expectations. Pressure is a privilege.”
As Coats settles into his new office at Atascocita, there will be boxes to unpack and groundwork to lay. He’ll bring his trademark energy, confidence, and competitive edge.
And somewhere nearby — in an envelope that’s traveled his entire coaching journey — that star will still be there, quietly reminding him why he started.
The Kyle Coats era at Atascocita begins now.