Army trains DeSoto HS football players

 DeSoto—In a powerful example of leadership, discipline, and teamwork, soldiers from Fort Hood visited DeSoto High School’s Eagle Stadium on July 30 to conduct a high-impact, team-building training session with the DeSoto Eagles varsity football team. The interactive session took place at DeSoto Eagles Stadium, introducing student-athletes to the Army’s core values: loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage.

This one-of-a-kind event only to prepared the team for the upcoming football season but also developed leadership skills and personal resilience that extend beyond the playing field. It also served as a preview of the U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Experience, a statewide event scheduled in March 2026 at Fort Hood, where more than 4,000 Texas student-athletes, JROTC cadets, and fine arts students will participate in a hands-on military training and career exploration event.

“This is more than just physical training; it’s about mindset, commitment, and character,” said Claude Mathis, head football coach of the DeSoto Eagles. “The Army values mirror what we instill in our athletes every day. This experience gives them an opportunity to grow as leaders, teammates, and individuals. It’s exactly the kind of development we strive for in DeSoto ISD.”

As part of the district’s Triple A Experience, a holistic focus on Academics, Arts, and Athletics, this training highlights DeSoto ISD’s commitment to preparing students not just for success in high school, but for life. By exposing students to real-world applications of leadership, discipline, and teamwork, the district reinforces its mission to nurture well-rounded scholar-athletes.

“Whether our students are leading on the football field, performing in the arts, or excelling in academics, experiences like this help shape their character and future,” Coach Mathis said. “We’re proud to partner with the U.S. Army to bring this level of training and exposure to our young men.”

DeSoto ISD looks forward to continuing these types of partnerships that empower students through innovative, experiential learning aligned with the district's whole-child development model.

SOURCE DeSoto Independent School District