Two-time Jamaican Olympian Dorian Scott has been appointed head coach of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The announcement was made by UNLV Director of Athletics, Desiree Reed-Francois on Wednesday (July 14).

Scott, 39, goes to UNLV with an enviable record of achievements over the past nine years at Florida State University (FSU) where he guided a number of Jamaican throwers that included Kellion Knibb, Shanice Love and Gleneve Grange as well as Emmanuel Oniya.

Since his first season at FSU in 2013, the women’s programme has won seven ACC titles and the men have won nine. The women’s group established records in every indoor and outdoor event at FSU, including records in the indoor shot put, the weight throw, outdoor shot put, discus, hammer and javelin.

His throws group holds 33 of the 60 positions on the Top 10 list for indoor and outdoor throws on the women’s side, and under his direction, the men hold 24 of the 60 top marks in school history.

His record and other standout qualities are what made him attractive to UNLV.

“Dorian’s values-based leadership, preparation both as an Olympic athlete and as a coach at the highest levels, along with his commitment to the student-athlete’s holistic development became apparent throughout this process. He has an infectious enthusiasm, a relentless work ethic and he will bring a very high energy to our program. His focus on excellence both on and off the track and field, as well as his coaching and recruiting experience at Florida State will continue our upward trajectory and positive momentum,” said Reed-Francois.

“Dorian’s plan and vision for the future of the UNLV track & field and cross country programs were impressive, and we look forward to competing for championships under his direction in the near future. Thank you to Sarah Wattenberg and the search committee for their leadership throughout this search.”

Scott, a 10-time Jamaican national shot put champion, said he is grateful for the opportunity.

“I would like to thank UNLV President Keith E. Whitfield and Director of Athletics Desiree Reed-Francois for the opportunity to join such an exciting and dynamic athletics department,” he said.

“It is a true honor to become the head coach of track and field/cross country at UNLV. I’m excited to elevate the program and to bring some special student-athletes to this amazing city. My family and I can’t wait to join the UNLV community!

“I would also like to thank the administration and staff at Florida State, especially head coach Bob Braman, for his leadership and support. He entrusted me to help build up the field events and gave me a lot of freedom to make FSU throws my own. I would not be the coach I am without my experience at FSU.”

Scott earned his Bachelor’s Degree in social science from Florida State in 2007. He and his wife, Geneva, have a son, Sterling, born in 2019.

A two-time world finalist for Jamaica, he finished fifth at the 2008 Indoor World Championships, won the silver medal at the 2006 and 2010 Commonwealth games and the silver medal at the 2007 Pan American Games.