Dunbar Boasts National Coach of the Year

Flores Has Led Speech & Debate Teams Since 2009

Neomia Hagans Flores of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School has been named the National Federation of High Schools’ 2026 National Speech and Debate Coach of the Year. Since 2009, she has helped develop the Dunbar program into one of Kentucky’s most consistent and accomplished teams. Her coaching résumé includes 16 state speech champions, 23 state debate champions, two debate state team championships, nine debate team state runner-up titles, and numerous top finishes. 

Flores has devoted her life and career to expanding access, excellence, and opportunity in speech and debate. A champion for under-represented students, she has become one of Kentucky’s most influential voices in forensic education. 

Flores earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social work from the University of Kentucky, where she is completing her Ph.D. in higher education. At Dunbar, Flores has hosted seasonal invitational tournaments, including fundraising events for Eastern Kentucky flood relief and Lexington’s homeless population. 

Additionally, Flores has served on the boards for Kentucky High School Speech League (KHSSL), Kentucky Educational Speech and Drama Association, National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA), and Catholic Forensic League. She has also been integral to state and national tournament hosting, professional development initiatives, and the structural evolution of Kentucky’s speech and debate governance. 

Her dedication has been recognized through numerous honors including NSDA Kentucky Coach of the Year, KHSSL Debate Coach of the Year, induction into the KHSSL Hall of Fame, and the NSDA Distinguished Service Award.