Villarreal Chosen to Lead Lady Scots
Highland Park turned to one of the most storied programs in the state to find its new girls basketball coach.
Nicole Villarreal has been a JV coach and varsity assistant at Duncanville since 2006. She helped lead the Pantherettes to a combined 117-2 record during the past three seasons, including Class 5A state titles in 2012 and 2013. She has never been a head coach at the varsity level.
Villarreal was chosen from a pool of about 100 applicants for the position, according to HPISD athletic director Johnny Ringo, who worked with current Duncanville head coach Cathy Self-Morgan at Austin Westlake during the early 1990s.
“I am honored to become part of the Highland Park family,” Villarreal said. “I have been warmly welcomed by everyone here, and I am excited to hit the ground running with the Lady Scots.”
Villarreal will replace Amy Matlock, who resigned after six seasons to become the head coach at Frisco Independence. HP finished 17-10 last season and lost to The Colony in the bi-district round of the playoffs. The Lady Scots will move up to the new Class 6A next season.
