A Legacy in Motion: Mother and Daughter Leading the Next Generation

For Dessalyn Dillard, athletic director at Paint Branch High School, and her daughter, Dasia Dillard, athletic coordinator at Newport Mill Middle School, education and athletics are more than careers. They are a shared legacy built on leadership, representation and a commitment to uplifting students.

Dessalyn’s passion for athletics began early. Since she joined MCPS 26 years ago, she has held a variety of leadership and instructional roles, and has been at Paint Branch since 2002. 

“My key role model was my track and cheer coach,” Dessalyn said. “She poured so much into everyone around her, and her energy was magnetic. I didn’t just admire her; I aspired to be everything she was.”

She headed to the University of Maryland, College Park with dreams of becoming an athletic trainer. After realizing she didn’t quite have the stomach for injuries, she pivoted to a health and physical education pathway.

Today, she finds particular joy in watching her daughter begin a similar journey.

Dasia began her MCPS career in 2024 as one of the health and physical education teachers at Newport Mill. As a former athlete, she originally considered athletic training, but realized through summer camp jobs that she loved working with kids. Physical education offered what she calls “the best of both worlds,” combining her love for sports, fitness and mentorship.

“I absolutely love working with middle schoolers,” Dasia said. “It's a lot of fun because they are always so excited to learn new things and it inspires me to find ways to keep them engaged.”

Growing up, her mother’s example made the profession feel attainable and rewarding. Dessalyn also encouraged Dasia to build genuine relationships with colleagues; Dasia credits this advice with helping her navigate her first years as an educator. 

Their professional relationship is rooted in support and being each other's cheerleaders. Dasia often turns to her mother for guidance navigating athletics leadership, while Dessalyn values her daughter’s fresh perspective and connection to today’s student-athletes. They regularly support each other at games and events, sometimes working side by side, creating opportunities for mentorship that extend beyond words.

“We show up for each other,” Dasia said. “When we know [one of us] has a ‘big’ game day, we try to be there to provide comfort.” Dasia recalled her first game day as an athletics coordinator. Knowing her mom was there meant someone had her back.

For both women, legacy carries deep personal and professional meaning. Dessalyn, one of the few women in her family to graduate from college, has always aimed to model what is possible for her children and her students. Seeing her daughter continue that path reinforces the importance of example, perseverance and community support.

“There’s something incredibly meaningful about knowing that the foundation you established will continue to grow and reach even greater heights,” Dessalyn said. “Seeing Dasia step into leadership has been simply amazing. My heart is full.”

Dasia views that legacy as both an honor and a responsibility.

“There are people who want to see me succeed because of their relationship with my mom,” she said. “I think it’s nice to have so much support and it makes me work even harder to ensure I am doing a good job of representing my family.”

Their shared story also reflects the importance of representation, particularly during Black History Month. As Black women in athletics leadership, they emphasize visibility, mentorship and creating opportunities for others.

Dessalyn reflected that “Black HERstory” is lived every day for her. “As the only Black female athletic director, I believe wholeheartedly that representation matters,” Dessalyn said. “It is essential for African American girls and women to see themselves reflected in me; to know that leadership spaces are not only accessible, but also meant for them.” 

She actively advocates for women of color to pursue leadership by creating mentorship opportunities through student internships, coaching roles, game management experiences and assistant athletic director positions.

“I believe deeply in empowering and pouring into women in athletics to dream bigger and do more,” she continued. “Each of us brings a unique and vital touch to sport … one that not only elevates the game, but also makes it more nurturing, inclusive and impactful.”

Dasia echoes that sentiment in her daily work with students.

“I want my students to have positive African American role models and adults to look up to because that is what I had growing up. It’s important to me that I carry myself a certain way because I know my students are watching and I always want to be a great example for them.”

Together, this mother-daughter duo is shaping a legacy grounded in leadership and community. Whether mentoring student-athletes, supporting each other professionally or opening doors for future leaders, they continue to demonstrate how passion, representation and family can intersect to inspire the next generation.