2026 SPEAK: october 17 @ University of Kentucky, Lexington

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Flores has devoted her life and career to expanding access, excellence and opportunity in speech and debate. A celebrated coach, respected state and national leader, and champion for under-represented students, she has become one of Kentucky’s most influential voices in forensic education.

Flores’ journey began at age 12, competing at Carr Creek Elementary, where she earned four state finalist placements and a state championship in Declamation. She continued as a three-time state finalist at Knott County Central High School, laying the foundation for a career marked by extraordinary competitive and educational success.

Flores began coaching at Knott County Central High School in 2006 and immediately elevated the program with two regional championships, two “top 10” state finishes, and she coached a state champion.

Since 2009, Flores has helped lead the Lexington Paul Laurence Dunbar High School program to become one of Kentucky’s most consistent and accomplished teams. Her coaching résumé includes 16 state speech champions, 23 state debate champions, 3 debate state team championships, nine debate team state runner-up titles, and numerous additional top finishes.

Beyond the competitive stage, Flores has served on the boards for Kentucky High School Speech League (KHSSL), Kentucky Educational Speech and Drama Association, National Speech and Debate Association (NSDA), and Catholic Forensic League, and has been integral to state and national tournament hosting, professional development initiatives, and the structural evolution of Kentucky’s speech and debate governance.

Additionally, she authored KHSSL’s current score-ranking system and the criteria for its Hall of Fame. Her dedication has been recognized through honors including NSDA Kentucky Coach of the Year, KHSSL Debate Coach of the Year, induction into the KHSSL Hall of Fame, and the NSDA Distinguished Service Award.

Flores earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social work from the University of Kentucky, where she is currently completing her Ph.D. in higher education. At Paul Laurence Dunbar, Flores has hosted seasonal invitational tournaments, including fundraising events for Eastern Kentucky flood relief and Lexington’s homeless population. Her program actively supports students of all backgrounds, ensuring that speech and debate remains a place where every voice is valued and empowered.