Alto Independent School District is proud to announce the hiring of Scott Ponder as the district’s new Athletic Director. The Alto ISD Board of Trustees approved Ponder’s hire during a special called board meeting on Monday, January 12.
Coach Ponder brings more than 30 years of coaching experience to Alto ISD, along with a proven track record of success in building high-performing athletic programs, particularly in the small-school environment. His career highlights include one state championship, one trip to the state semifinals, and being twice named state Coach of the Year, as well as the development of student-athletes at the highest levels of competition.
Throughout his career, Ponder has helped develop four NFL players, 46 college football players, nine Division I athletes, and four Division I quarterbacks—an accomplishment that reflects both his coaching expertise and his commitment to preparing student-athletes for success beyond high school. His athletic programs have also produced numerous regional and state qualifiers across multiple sports, including soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, and track & field.
Ponder is especially known for his ability to transform programs. He led Petrolia to a state championship and orchestrated a remarkable turnaround at Bells, rebuilding a struggling program and elevating it from one of the lowest-performing teams in Texas to a perennial playoff contender.
A graduate of Tenaha High School, Coach Ponder went on to earn both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts degree from Midwestern State University, underscoring his dedication to education, leadership, and lifelong learning.
“It’s great to be here, and I’m excited to get started,” Ponder said. “I’m eager to meet the coaches and kids and get this thing moving forward!”
“Alto ISD looks forward to the leadership, experience, and vision Coach Ponder brings as he begins this new chapter with Yellowjacket athletics,” said Superintendent Derrick Conley. “It’s a great day to be a Jacket!”