The DeSoto girls track and field program has been the perfect example of what winning and consistency looks like. Coach June Villers has effectively led her Lady Eagles to win the last four UIL 6A state championships and the school has won seven in the last 10 years. The years they haven't won the title in that time still resulted in trophies as they were third in 2014 and then second in 2015.
Not only have they consistently been good, but they've looked even more invincible as the years have progressed. They scored 65 points or more and nearly won by 20 points in each of the last four years. Also in that time, DeSoto has set three state record and a national record. The 121 point total form last year is a 6A state record and they set the 6A state record in the 4x400 Relay in 2017 with a 3:37.85. Last year, they set state and national records in the 4x100 Relay with their 44.24.
This is the closest we can come to in terms of a dynasty in Texas high school track and field. The best NBA franchises of recent years have only put together three year stints of consecutive wins. The Golden State Warriors, arguably the second best team in NBA history is largely considered a dynasty and they won three titles in four years. The Shaq and Kobe edition of the Los Angeles Lakers won three straight and the Michael Jordan led Chicago Bull and the best team in NBA history won three consecutive championships on two occasions. The NFL's recent dynasty, the New England Patriots have won six Super Bowls since 2002. DeSoto has put together two strings of consecutive winning streaks with a three-peat from 2011 - 2013 and the current four year streak that might not have been stopped, if not by COVID-19.
| YEAR | POINTS SCORED | MARGIN OF VICTORY |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 79 | 19 |
| 2017 | 65 | 27 |
| 2018 | 69 | 27 |
| 2019 | 121 | 73 |
Each of the professional dynasty teams had tremendous talent on their teams and it's clear that DeSoto has had that as well. However, the most important piece of the puzzle for the professional teams was the coach. All of the coaches for those organizations will be Hall of Fame coaches one day; Villers has been equally impressive. She has been able to lead her girls year in and year out by developing their talent and guiding them while at the same time dealing with adversity and high pressure situations. Villers' efforts have been recognized by both the TTFCA and USTFCCCA, awarding her with Coach of the Year awards.
This year, the Lady Eagles had as good of a chance as any of the last four years to add number five. The stats they could have posted in March and April could have also been epic.
The last time they stepped on the track to compete, their 4x100 Relay proved they ready to accomplish more. Their US No. 1 time of 45.16 is the 23rd All-Time fastest mark every and just under a second from their national record with two months remaining in the season. They had two returning legs from last year and was possibly ready to run lower than 44.24 and possibly be the first US high school girls team to run in the 43s.
Along with the sprint relay, DeSoto had more power returning from the state meet. The 4x200 Relay also leads the nation and the 4x400 Relay earned 20 points last year and was currently ranked No. 4 in Texas. DeSoto was also loaded in the sprints and hurdle open events with six returning state meet point scorers. Junior JaEra Griffin was fourth in the 100m last year, Jayla Hollis was third in the 200m, Cierra Wash was third in the 400m, and hurlers Jalaysiya Smith and Hollis were second and third last year in the 100H with Smith ninth in the 300H.
What we are possibly missing out on this year is the leadership of a living legend. We could have watched Villers add to her legacy and her program with the possibility of another championship. DeSoto could have left another mark on the state and the nation by time the 2020 season was over. The suspension may have taken that away from them and us as fans. It's likely will have to wait and see if they will be able to pick back up in the 2021 track and field season.