Varsity Head Coach
The 2025-2026 school year will be Coach Warnock’s second year teaching English II, and her first year teaching and coaching at Vandegrift. She has always had a passion for both education and cheer, and is super excited to start her “dream job!” She cannot wait to make memories and have a wonderful year.
Coach Warnock has been involved in cheerleading for most of her life, with nine years of competitive cheer experience and six years of sideline cheer. She brings both NCA and UIL experience to the program, and she is passionate about helping athletes grow not only in their skills, but also in confidence, teamwork, and leadership.
She grew up right here in the Austin area and graduated from Vista Ridge High School, where her love for both cheer and student leadership flourished. She was also very involved in student ministry at Northpoint Church, which shaped a lot of who she is today. After high school, she went on to attend college at Mississippi State University. Hail state! She graduated with a degree in Secondary English Education.
Coach Warnock is married to her middle school sweetheart (yes, you read that right, ha!) and they live here in Austin with their golden retriever, Bear. Sydney is incredibly honored to step into this role and can’t wait to work with the amazing athletes and families at Vandegrift High School. Go Vipers!
Junior Varsity Coach
The 2026-2027 school year will be Coach Payton’s first year teaching Social Studies and coaching cheer at Vandegrift High School. She is excited to begin her career in education and combine her passion for teaching with her love of athletics. She is thrilled to join the Vandegrift community and looks forward to an incredible first year.
Coach Payton has been involved in athletics for most of her life, participating in a variety of sports and activities including swimming, basketball, marching band, volleyball, and softball. While volleyball and softball were her primary athletic passions, she has always loved the energy, tradition, and community that come with Friday Night Lights and school spirit. Although she was not a cheerleader herself, she firmly believes that athletics play a vital role in the school experience and help students develop valuable life skills that extend far beyond competition.
She is passionate about helping student-athletes grow not only in their athletic abilities, but also in their character, leadership, confidence, and teamwork. Coach Payton believes the lessons learned through sports can be applied to every aspect of life, and she is excited to support athletes as they develop both on and off the sidelines.
Originally from the Houston area, Coach Payton graduated from Fort Bend Christian Academy before attending The University of Texas at Austin and participating in the UTeach Liberal Arts program. She earned a degree in History with minors in Spanish and Education.
After falling in love with Austin during college, Coach Payton decided to make the city her home. She currently lives in North Austin with her twin sister, who also recently graduated from UT. Hope is excited to step into this role and can’t wait to work with the incredible athletes and families at Vandegrift High School. Go Vipers!
