New Program Leaders Named to Help the Triple-A Experience Soar Higher at DeSoto High School
DeSoto Independent School District proudly announces the
appointment of several new extracurricular activity leaders at DeSoto High
School, marking a significant step forward in the district’s ongoing
commitment to student achievement through the Triple A Experience—Academics,
Arts, and Athletics.
DHS Band--James Gipson
James Gipson joins DeSoto ISD as the
new Director of Bands at DeSoto High School. With eight years of experience
leading award-winning programs at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center, Cedar
Hill Collegiate Academy, and Justin F. Kimball High School, Gipson brings a
proven record of musical excellence, student mentorship, and inclusive
leadership. Under his direction, ensembles have consistently earned top ratings
in UIL and regional competitions, reflecting his passion for high performance
and student growth.
A Texas native, Gipson holds degrees
in music and educational leadership and is a member of several professional
organizations including the Texas Music Educators Association. Now leading the
renowned DeSoto Eagle Band, he is committed to continuing its legacy while
inspiring the next generation of student musicians. His appointment reflects
DeSoto ISD’s commitment to exceptional fine arts programming and
student-centered learning that extends beyond the classroom and into lifelong
confidence, character, and creativity.
DHS Choir--Naeaidria Callihan
Naeaidria Callihan returns this year
to continue her service and leadership as the Choir Director at DeSoto High
School, where she leads the choral program with passion, precision, and a deep
commitment to musical excellence. With a background rooted in vocal performance
and music education, Callihan brings a wealth of experience in guiding students
to discover their voices, refine their talents, and build confidence through
choral artistry.
Under her direction, the DeSoto Choir
program continues to thrive as a space where students grow musically and
personally, earning recognition in UIL competitions, festivals, and community
performances. Known for her dynamic teaching style and student-centered
approach, Callihan fosters a culture of excellence, unity, and pride, preparing
young vocalists to excel both on stage and in life. Her leadership reflects
DeSoto ISD’s dedication to enriching student experiences through strong fine
arts programming
DHS Eaglettes--Stephanie Nicholson
Stephanie Nicholson serves as the
English I teacher for the Early College program at DeSoto High School and has
recently been named Director of the DeSoto Eaglettes Drill Team—a role that
represents both a professional milestone and a deeply personal journey. A proud
DeSoto alumna and former Eaglette from 2013 to 2015, Nicholson brings firsthand
knowledge of the pride, discipline, and sisterhood that define the legacy of
the Eaglettes.
With a strong foundation in dance,
Nicholson trained with The Black Academy of Arts and Letters (TBAAL) and Dallas
Black Dance Theatre, gaining experience in ballet, contemporary, modern, hip
hop, tap, and more. These experiences have fueled her passion for performance
and leadership. As Director, her vision is to honor the rich traditions of the
Eaglettes while evolving the program to reflect the culture and energy of
today’s students. She is committed to building a team rooted in discipline,
unity, and school spirit—one that empowers young women to lead with purpose
both on and off the floor.
As Nicholson assumes the leadership
role of guiding the Eaglettes, her predecessor, Regina Tucker, remains in
oversight of the district’s dance ensembles.
DHS GirlsBasketball--Andrea Riley
Andrea Riley returns to lead the
DeSoto High School Girls Basketball team for the 2025–2026 season. Riley, who
served as an assistant coach last year, brings a wealth of experience as a
former WNBA player, award-winning NCAA point guard, and former head coach at
Bishop Dunne. Her passion for mentorship and player development, combined with
a distinguished playing career—including induction into multiple halls of fame
and recognition with the Nancy Lieberman Award—makes her a natural fit to lead
the program.
Her impressive accolades include
induction into the Dallas ISD Hall of Fame, the Dallas Black Sports Hall of
Fame, and the Oklahoma State Hall of Fame. Her jersey is enshrined in the
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. With a proven track record as both a
player and coach, Riley is positioned to bring high-level experience and
leadership to the Lady Eagles basketball program.
DHS Boys Track--Rayford Ross
Rayford Ross as the new Head Boys
Track Coach at DeSoto High School. With more than 30 years of coaching
experience across multiple districts and a history of championship-level
success, Ross returns to DeSoto with a proven track record of excellence. His
previous tenure with the district included leading the boys track program to a 2016
State Championship and heading the cross country teams from 2012–2021. Most
recently, he served as Head Boys Track Coach at Skyline High School, where he
led athletes to multiple district and regional titles.
A former high school and collegiate
All-American, Ross holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Lamar
University and is USATF Level 2 certified, with additional credentials
in social studies education. His resume includes multiple state qualifiers,
regional champions, and even a national record holder and Olympic semifinalist.
His appointment supports the district’s commitment to the Triple A
Experience of Academics, Arts, and Athletics, and continues DeSoto’s
investment in student-centered excellence both on and off the track.
Coach Ross’s coaching career spans
over three decades and includes championship-caliber leadership at top-tier
athletic programs:
- Skyline High
School (2021–2025): Produced multiple regional and district champions,
including 4x400 relay titleholders.
- DeSoto High School (2012–2021): Led teams to a State
Championship in Track and Field (2016) while also heading the cross
country program.
- Mansfield Timberview (2004–2012): Coached teams to
seven district titles, a regional championship, and a 3rd Place State
finish (2012). Also contributed to a Girls’ State Championship
(2010) and coached an Olympic semifinalist and national 400m record
holder.
- Previous coaching roles at South
Oak Cliff, Wilmer-Hutchins, Cedar Hill, and Dallas Roosevelt further speak
to his depth of experience and success at multiple UIL levels.
A University of Houston Hall of
Fame inductee (1998) and Mansfield ISD Hall of Fame honoree (2019),
Coach Ross’s legacy as both athlete and coach reflects a lifelong dedication to
excellence. As a high school and collegiate All-American, his personal and
professional journey is one of perseverance, purpose, and performance.
These strategic appointments reflect
DeSoto ISD’s unwavering investment in student-centered experiences,
scholar-focused leadership and transformative learning experiences. The
intentional staffing of these roles signifies more than a new chapter for these
programs—it’s a renewed commitment to excellence in each of these areas, in the
classroom, and in the lives of every Eagle scholar.
For more information about
DeSoto ISD’s programs, services and initiatives, please visit www.DeSotoisd.org.