Las Vegas, New Mexico - New Mexico Highlands University head men's basketball coach
Scott Waterman has been recognized by Silver Waves Media as one of the Top 50 Most Impactful NCAA Division II Men's Basketball Head Coaches.
Waterman, who is beginning his first season leading the Cowboys, was selected for his leadership, coaching accomplishments and contributions to NCAA Division II basketball.
Prior to arriving at New Mexico Highlands, Waterman spent six seasons as head coach at Academy of Art University in San Francisco, where he became the winningest coach in program history. He compiled a 96-71 overall record and guided the Urban Knights to four consecutive 20-win seasons.
Under Waterman's leadership, Academy of Art captured the 2022 Pacific West Conference Tournament Championship, earned the program's first two NCAA Division II Tournament appearances and won the 2024 PacWest regular season championship. Waterman was named the conference's Coach of the Year following the 2023-24 season.
Following the discontinuation of Academy of Art's athletics program in 2025, Waterman joined the University of New Mexico staff as Special Assistant to Head Coach Eric Olen for the 2025-26 season. The Lobos finished with 26 victories and advanced to the National Invitation Tournament semifinals.
Waterman's coaching career also includes stops at Dominican University of California, Dartmouth College, Pomona-Pitzer Colleges, Cal State Fullerton and Long Beach State.
Waterman was one of three RMAC head coaches included on the list, joining Pryor Orser of Colorado School of Mines and Ryan Thompson of Black Hills State.
Silver Waves Media's recognition honors coaches who have demonstrated sustained success, leadership and a meaningful impact on their student-athletes, programs and the NCAA Division II basketball community.
Waterman was named the Cowboys' head coach in June 2026 and is guiding New Mexico Highlands into the 2026-27 season.
