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News Release
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information: https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information: https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule
Walla Walla High School has selected Cindy Saldaña as its new head varsity girls soccer coach, elevating a respected and experienced leader from within the program.
Saldaña brings more than 16 years of coaching experience across club, high school, and international levels, along with a diverse playing background that includes collegiate and international competition. Since joining the Wa-Hi program in 2014, she has served in multiple roles—C Team coach, JV coach, varsity assistant, and goalkeeper coach, while helping establish a cohesive, development-focused program from the ground up.
“Cindy has been an impactful coach in our girls soccer program since 2014, where she has developed strong and productive relationships with her student-athletes and consistently had teams that showed growth through the course of the season,” said Athletic Director Chris Ferenz. “We are excited to have her step into the role of head girls’ soccer coach at Walla Walla High School.”
Throughout her tenure, Saldaña has been instrumental in aligning training methods, expectations, and style of play across all program levels. She is widely recognized for designing structured, game-realistic training environments and for her specialized work in goalkeeper development and position-specific training. Her ability to teach the game clearly and connect with athletes at all levels has contributed to the advancement of numerous players to collegiate soccer opportunities.
Prior to her time at Wa-Hi, Saldaña led the girls soccer program at Walla Walla Valley Academy, where she built a culture centered on accountability, academic success, and player development. She also gained international coaching experience in Valencia, Spain, working within a development academy setting and delivering instruction in Spanish while focusing on foundational technical skills and game understanding.
Beyond team coaching, Saldaña has been invited to collaborate with collegiate programs, lead advanced training sessions, and mentor fellow coaches. She is actively involved in coaching education through U.S. Soccer, supporting the development of grassroots coaches and contributing to the growth of coaching standards in the region.
Saldaña holds multiple U.S. Soccer coaching licenses, goalkeeper certifications, and a wide range of advanced training credentials in player development, performance analysis, and inclusive coaching practices. Her leadership extends off the field as well, including her role directing the “Hawks to Wolves – Rompiendo Barreras” program, which supports college access for first-generation and migrant students.
An accomplished educator, Saldaña holds advanced degrees from Grand Canyon University, Walla Walla University, and the Universitat de València. She was named a “39 Under 39” honoree in 2024 and received the Crystal Apple Teacher of the Year award in 2021.
"Saldaña emphasizes character, academic accountability, and long-term athlete development," said Ferenz. "Her comprehensive experience, leadership in coach education, and commitment to student success position her to lead the Blue Devils girls soccer program into its next phase."
Walla Walla High School has selected Cindy Saldaña as its new head varsity girls soccer coach, elevating a respected and experienced leader from within the program.
Saldaña brings more than 16 years of coaching experience across club, high school, and international levels, along with a diverse playing background that includes collegiate and international competition. Since joining the Wa-Hi program in 2014, she has served in multiple roles—C Team coach, JV coach, varsity assistant, and goalkeeper coach, while helping establish a cohesive, development-focused program from the ground up.
“Cindy has been an impactful coach in our girls soccer program since 2014, where she has developed strong and productive relationships with her student-athletes and consistently had teams that showed growth through the course of the season,” said Athletic Director Chris Ferenz. “We are excited to have her step into the role of head girls’ soccer coach at Walla Walla High School.”
Throughout her tenure, Saldaña has been instrumental in aligning training methods, expectations, and style of play across all program levels. She is widely recognized for designing structured, game-realistic training environments and for her specialized work in goalkeeper development and position-specific training. Her ability to teach the game clearly and connect with athletes at all levels has contributed to the advancement of numerous players to collegiate soccer opportunities.
Prior to her time at Wa-Hi, Saldaña led the girls soccer program at Walla Walla Valley Academy, where she built a culture centered on accountability, academic success, and player development. She also gained international coaching experience in Valencia, Spain, working within a development academy setting and delivering instruction in Spanish while focusing on foundational technical skills and game understanding.
Beyond team coaching, Saldaña has been invited to collaborate with collegiate programs, lead advanced training sessions, and mentor fellow coaches. She is actively involved in coaching education through U.S. Soccer, supporting the development of grassroots coaches and contributing to the growth of coaching standards in the region.
Saldaña holds multiple U.S. Soccer coaching licenses, goalkeeper certifications, and a wide range of advanced training credentials in player development, performance analysis, and inclusive coaching practices. Her leadership extends off the field as well, including her role directing the “Hawks to Wolves – Rompiendo Barreras” program, which supports college access for first-generation and migrant students.
An accomplished educator, Saldaña holds advanced degrees from Grand Canyon University, Walla Walla University, and the Universitat de València. She was named a “39 Under 39” honoree in 2024 and received the Crystal Apple Teacher of the Year award in 2021.
"Saldaña emphasizes character, academic accountability, and long-term athlete development," said Ferenz. "Her comprehensive experience, leadership in coach education, and commitment to student success position her to lead the Blue Devils girls soccer program into its next phase."
WALLA WALLA -
Walla Walla Public Schools has named longtime educator Denise Hurst as the district’s new Music Coordinator. Hurst, who currently teaches music at Prospect Point Elementary, will step into the role following the retirement of Roger Garcia at the end of the school year.
Hurst brings more than two decades of teaching experience and deep roots in the Walla Walla music community. She is a third-generation music educator in the district. Her father, Glen Mitchell, a Walla Walla Public Schools Graduate of Distinction, served as Walla Walla High School’s band director for 29 years and later as the district’s director of music. Her mother, Meredith Mitchell, was a longtime music teacher at Edison Elementary. Both have remained active contributors to the local music scene over the years.
Now in her 20th year teaching in Walla Walla Public Schools and 21st overall, Hurst has spent her entire career at Prospect Point Elementary, where she teaches K–5 music. She has also taught fifth-grade strings at Garrison Middle School and additional kindergarten classes at Blue Ridge Elementary.
“I love a challenge and finding new ways to learn and grow as an educator,” said Hurst. “We have a strong music program in Walla Walla Public Schools, and I look forward to helping it grow even more while advocating for our amazing music students and staff.”
A proud graduate of Walla Walla High School, Hurst attended Prospect Point and Garrison schools as a student. She earned her degree in music education, with a supporting endorsement in Spanish, from Washington State University. She later completed her Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University and is a National Board Certified Teacher.
Hurst says her passion for music began early.
“Music has been a part of my life since day one, I’ve been told I sang before I talked,” she said. “Growing up with two incredible music educators as parents, I had the opportunity to attend concerts, musicals, and music trips throughout my childhood, which ultimately inspired me to pursue music as a career.”
She says working with elementary students continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.
“Their joy is contagious,” Hurst said. “I want every student to feel seen, heard, known, and valued, and to know they are always welcome in my classroom.”
Outside of school, Hurst enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and their three sons, Andrew, Owen, and Noah. She also stays busy attending her sons’ sporting events, singing with a small women’s vocal ensemble, and baking and cooking.
As Music Coordinator, Hurst will help guide and support the district’s comprehensive music program, building on a strong tradition while continuing to expand opportunities for students across Walla Walla Public Schools.
WALLA WALLA -
Walla Walla Public Schools has named longtime educator Denise Hurst as the district’s new Music Coordinator. Hurst, who currently teaches music at Prospect Point Elementary, will step into the role following the retirement of Roger Garcia at the end of the school year.
Hurst brings more than two decades of teaching experience and deep roots in the Walla Walla music community. She is a third-generation music educator in the district. Her father, Glen Mitchell, a Walla Walla Public Schools Graduate of Distinction, served as Walla Walla High School’s band director for 29 years and later as the district’s director of music. Her mother, Meredith Mitchell, was a longtime music teacher at Edison Elementary. Both have remained active contributors to the local music scene over the years.
Now in her 20th year teaching in Walla Walla Public Schools and 21st overall, Hurst has spent her entire career at Prospect Point Elementary, where she teaches K–5 music. She has also taught fifth-grade strings at Garrison Middle School and additional kindergarten classes at Blue Ridge Elementary.
“I love a challenge and finding new ways to learn and grow as an educator,” said Hurst. “We have a strong music program in Walla Walla Public Schools, and I look forward to helping it grow even more while advocating for our amazing music students and staff.”
A proud graduate of Walla Walla High School, Hurst attended Prospect Point and Garrison schools as a student. She earned her degree in music education, with a supporting endorsement in Spanish, from Washington State University. She later completed her Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University and is a National Board Certified Teacher.
Hurst says her passion for music began early.
“Music has been a part of my life since day one, I’ve been told I sang before I talked,” she said. “Growing up with two incredible music educators as parents, I had the opportunity to attend concerts, musicals, and music trips throughout my childhood, which ultimately inspired me to pursue music as a career.”
She says working with elementary students continues to be one of the most rewarding aspects of her career.
“Their joy is contagious,” Hurst said. “I want every student to feel seen, heard, known, and valued, and to know they are always welcome in my classroom.”
Outside of school, Hurst enjoys spending time with her husband, Brian, and their three sons, Andrew, Owen, and Noah. She also stays busy attending her sons’ sporting events, singing with a small women’s vocal ensemble, and baking and cooking.
As Music Coordinator, Hurst will help guide and support the district’s comprehensive music program, building on a strong tradition while continuing to expand opportunities for students across Walla Walla Public Schools.
The April 22 Special Meeting to interview candidates for student board representative has been canceled and will be rescheduled.
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information: https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule
The April 22 Special Meeting to interview candidates for student board representative has been canceled and will be rescheduled.
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information: https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information: https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information: https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information: https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule
Supporting documents are available via the following link: https://meetings.boardbook.org/Public/Organization/997
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule & Information: https://www.wwps.org/district/information/school-board/board-meeting-schedule