Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA), a public charter school serving students in grades 6–12, today announced the launch of Washington, DC’s first 6th through 12th-grade public school tackle football program. The first season will begin in the fall of 2026.

Building on the success of DPA’s high school football team, launched in 2023, this expansion gives student-athletes the opportunity to grow, lead, and compete. 

The middle school program will include tackle football, girls cheer, and girls flag football, broadening access to athletics for families in Ward 7 and Ward 8 and ensuring more students can participate in team-based sports.

Research has shown that students who participate in organized sports are more likely to achieve academically, remain engaged in school, and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, leadership, discipline, and resilience.  

“This is about more than football,” said Mashea Ashton, CEO of Digital Pioneers Academy. “Athletics create structure, belonging, and purpose. We’ve seen how high school football strengthens our community and supports the academic and personal growth of our players and cheerleaders, and we’re excited to bring those same opportunities to our middle school scholars.”

To lead the new program, DPA has named De’Jon Wilson as Middle School Head Football Coach. A DC native and former college athlete, Wilson brings a strong track record of mentoring and developing young athletes.

“At Digital Pioneers Academy, we take the name ‘Pioneers’ seriously,” said Coach De’Jon Wilson. “We’re not just building a team—we’re building something new for our city. We’re proud to lead the way in bringing middle school tackle football into a school community and giving our scholars the chance to grow as athletes and leaders from day one.”

The program builds on the success of DPA’s high school football team, which has quickly become a source of pride for the school community. Since its inception, the team has achieved a 24-7 record, earned two DC Public Charter School League championships, and finished as the 2025–26 DC state runner-up.

“De’Jon brings an immediate connection with our students,” said Coach Harris, Athletic Director and Director of the Football Program at Digital Pioneers Academy. “This is about building a true 6-12 grade program that develops young leaders and scholars. He knows how to mentor our students and help them grow on and off the field.”

DPA’s success in athletics reflects the same discipline, structure, and high expectations that define its academic program. As the school’s sports offerings have grown, so too have its academic outcomes and overall school culture. DPA is a three-time DC Bold School winner, achieved 100% college acceptance for its founding senior class—earning $11.4 million in scholarships.   

Coaches from across the city praised the selection of Coach Wilson.

“I’ve known De’Jon Wilson since his early days in youth football, and I’ve watched him grow into a coach who truly invests in young people,” said Maurice Vaughn of Dunbar High School. “What stands out is his growth as a leader and mentor. He’s built to lead a program like this.”

“De’Jon Wilson has a strong character and a deep commitment to young people,” said Coach Malcolm Battle of Bishop Carroll High School, who coached Wilson as an eighth grader. “He’s one of the highest character young men I’ve ever coached, and that same discipline and leadership now show up in how he guides young people.”

DPA leadership says the expansion to middle school tackle football is about creating access and long-term opportunity.

“When a scholar puts on a DPA uniform in sixth grade, they’re beginning a journey,” Ashton said. “One that can carry them through high school, into college, and beyond.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Digital Pioneers Academy Welcomes Three Championship-Caliber Basketball Coaches

June 7, 2025, Washington, D.C. — Digital Pioneers Academy is proud to announce the addition of three powerhouse leaders to its athletics program, strengthening its mission to develop scholar-athletes on and off the court. Lawrence Moten joins as General Manager of Basketball Operations and Youth Development, Gary “Toto” Johnson as Head Coach of Boys Basketball, and Lonnie Harrell as Head Coach of Girls Basketball – bringing experience, deep community ties, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Digital Pioneers Academy is a college-preparatory public charter school serving students in grades 6–12 in Southeast Washington, DC. The school empowers scholars to develop the academic foundation and character development needed to succeed as active citizens and innovators in the digital economy. In June 2025, Digital Pioneers Academy will proudly graduate its first class of seniors, 97 percent of whom have earned acceptance to a four-year college. 

 

“At Digital Pioneers Academy, our mission is to develop the next generation of innovators—young leaders who excel academically and embody the character to thrive in college and 21st-century careers. Welcoming Lawrence Moten, Gary Johnson, and Lonnie Harrell to our team strengthens that mission,” explains Mashea Ashton, CEO of Digital Pioneers Academy. These leaders bring championship experience, strong community relations, and a proven commitment to mentoring youth. Their presence will elevate our basketball program and inspire our scholars to lead with discipline, integrity, and purpose – on and off the court.”

These three distinguished leaders bring decades of excellence in professional basketball, youth mentorship, education, and championship coaching: 

• Lawrence Moten, General Manager, Basketball Operations and Youth Development —  A former NBA player and Syracuse University’s all-time leading scorer, Moten brings deep expertise in player development and student mentorship. A second-round draft pick by the Vancouver Grizzlies, Moten later played for the Washington Wizards and in top leagues across Europe, Latin America, and Canada. Moten has spent the past decade helping at-risk youth thrive through sports, education, and community impact.
• Gary “Toto” Johnson, Head Coach, Boys’ Basketball – A seasoned educator and award-winning coach, Johnson is known for leading multiple D.C. school teams to championships. A former professional point guard, Johnson has served as a Career Technical Manager and adjunct professor, shaping youth through rigorous academics and elite athletics. Johnson holds a Master’s in Education and Human Development from George Washington University and a B.A. in Social Science from the University of Southern California.
• Lonnie Harrell, Head Coach, Women’s Basketball – A  D.C. legend and AND1 Mixtape Tour icon, Harrell has inspired youth for over two decades through programs like Team Prime and 1st Class Sports Academy. A D.C. native and streetball legend from the AND1 Mixtape Tour, Harrell played for Georgetown and Northeastern before joining NBA and international teams. With over 100 college scholarship athletes mentored, his commitment to excellence, equity, and empowerment is unmatched.

 

“At Digital Pioneers Academy, our mission is to develop the next generation of innovators—students who excel academically and lead with character,” said Rob Harris, Athletic Director at Digital Pioneers Academy. “Welcoming Lawrence, Gary, and Lonnie perfectly aligns with that vision. Their championship experience, deep community ties, and dedication to mentoring youth will elevate our basketball program and inspire our scholars to lead with discipline, integrity, and purpose—on and off the court.”

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About Digital Pioneers Academy
Digital Pioneers Academy is a public charter school founded in 2018, serving students in grades 6-12 in Southeast Washington, D.C. With a focus on computer science and critical thinking, DPA empowers students to become the next generation of innovators and leaders. The school fosters a welcoming, nurturing environment that challenges students to reach their full potential.