BY BRIAN GOSSET
X – @gosset41
X – @gmsportsmedia1
FORT WORTH – Diana Langs, Darrell Griggs and Kia Cunningham were introduced as the next coaches to lead the volleyball, boys basketball and cheer program at OD Wyatt, the school announced on Monday.
Langs and Griggs both graduated from Wyatt.
“I am very excited to be here and change the culture and change the kids in this community – I love this community,” said Griggs, who graduated in 1995. “All my siblings went here, my kids – I am very excited to get the OD Wyatt boys back to the playoffs.”
Griggs steps over to the boys basketball program after leading the Wyatt girls for the past 10 seasons. He previously served as an assistant for the 2007-08 boys team that reached the regional semifinals.
The Wyatt girls had much success under Griggs’ watch.
The team achieved 20+ wins three times in a four-year stretch from 2018 to 2021. Their 20 wins during the 2017-18 season were their most since 2006-07. Additionally, the Chaparrals won 10+ games in district during those four years – compiling a 44-12 record. In the 2020-21 season, Wyatt posted 22-4 and 13-1 records and claimed a district championship.
Wyatt also went 10-4, 11-3 and 9-3 in district from 2023 to 2025.
This past season, the Chaparrals went 15-10 overall and finished third in 7-5A – securing a #1 seed in the Class 5A Division 2 bracket.
“Coach Griggs is an enthusiastic and experienced basketball coach with a passion for developing athletes and fostering a positive team culture. Coach Griggs has ed teams to multiple playoff appearances while demonstrating strong leadership and the ability to maximize the potential in each player. He is committed to the success and growth of players both on and off the court,” the school stated.
The boys basketball team had become the best program in Fort Worth for a seven-year run from 2017 to 2023 which included five straight undefeated district titles and six straight district championships overall. The Chaparrals were ranked in the state multiple times. Former coach DeMarqus James left to go to Crowley while Wyatt had rebound years in back-to-back seasons. The Chaparrals won just six games this past season.
“I love this place – I love OD Wyatt and I love basketball. We want to bring back a winning culture, but we want the kids to be successful men first of all,” Griggs said. “But make no mistake, we’re here to win. We’re going back to the playoffs and becoming a contender again.”
Langs was promoted from her volleyball assistant position.
She has been coaching volleyball for more than 20 years. “I bleed Columbia blue. Friends and family know Wyatt is home and it’s always been home,” Langs said.
Wyatt has had its struggles on the volleyball court.
The Chaparrals last made the playoffs in 2009.
“Where going to get out there and work hard first. It’s all about strength and conditioning and then preparing the girls mentally – and be dogs because that’s exactly how I was when I was a volleyball player here at Wyatt,” Langs said. “Training them to be the best they can be and go from there. We’re going to be successful, believe me…mark my words.”
Langs added, “I believe in the power of volleyball to cultivate teamwork, discipline and personal growth – guiding my players to not only excel on the court but also develop valuable life skills such as perseverance and leadership.”
Cunningham was also on the Wyatt staff and added the title of cheer coach on Monday. She’s been at the school since 2019 as the Director of Dance. Cunningham began dance and gymnastics at 3 and was competitive for 15 years. She had dancing experience at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro as well as in the NBA with the previously named Charlotte Bobcats – now the Charlotte Hornets for five years, three as a captain.
