MANSFIELD, LA – DeSoto Parish Schools is excited to announce the appointment of Samuel “Bo” Odom as the district’s new Supervisor of Maintenance. A lifelong DeSoto Parish resident, Coach Odom brings nearly three decades of excellence in both education and athletics to his new role.
A 1990 graduate and former athlete of Mansfield High School, Odom earned his bachelor’s degree from Northwestern State University in 1994. He returned to Mansfield High in 1997, where he began his journey in education as a career and technical education (CTE) teacher and as head baseball coach and assistant football coach. In 2006, Odom took the helm as head baseball coach at North DeSoto High School, where he has led the Griffins for the past 19 years, shaping the lives of young men both on and off the field.
Over his storied 28-year career, Coach Odom has left a lasting legacy as a coach. His accolades include over 500 career baseball wins, ten district championships, and two state titles — the first in 2012 when he led the Griffins to the Class 3A Baseball State Championship, and most recently in this academic year, the 2025 Division II Non-Select Baseball State Championship.
Odom has been named Shreveport Times All-Area Coach of the Year four times. He was also recognized as the 2013 Louisiana Sports Writers Association Coach of the Year and the 2012 Louisiana Baseball Coaches Association Coach of the Year, following North DeSoto’s historic title run.
Beyond his achievements on the field, Odom is known for his strong work ethic, problem-solving skills, and commitment to the success of the district’s mission — qualities that will serve him well in his new capacity overseeing the maintenance of school facilities across DeSoto Parish.
Director of Operations, Josh Dahlem, speaks to Odom’s high degree of work ethic. "Coach Odom has been an integral member of the DeSoto Parish Schools family over the last 28 years,” said Dahlem. “His attention to detail on the field and in the classroom, combined with his focus on maintaining quality facilities and grounds, will make him a valuable asset to all school campuses.
Coach Odom's deep roots in DeSoto Parish run through every corner of his life. He and his wife, Melanie — a dedicated educator at North DeSoto Lower Elementary — have been married for nearly 23 years and have built a life centered around service to their community. Their son, Sam — a proud graduate and former athlete of North DeSoto High School, who was also honored as Mr. NDHS in 2023 — is currently a student at Louisiana State University.
Odom’s commitment to DeSoto Parish is shared by his entire family. His sister, Rachel Odom Delafield, is a long-time educator who is currently teaching at North DeSoto High School. Odom’s niece Elizabeth Delafield Thomas and a graduate of Logansport High School, also teaches and coaches softball at North DeSoto Middle School. His nieces, Emma Callie Booker (Delafield) and Aly Delafield, both contributed to North DeSoto's storied softball legacy as key players on multiple state championship teams. His nephew, Luke Delafield, carries on the family's athletic tradition as the starting North DeSoto quarterback and as a recent state champion in baseball.
From the classroom to the playing field, the Odom’s family legacy exemplifies a deep passion for and commitment to DeSoto Parish — a legacy of leadership, dedication, and pride that continues to make a tremendous impact on the DeSoto Parish Schools community.
“I am honored and excited to move into the role of Supervisor of Maintenance of DeSoto Parish Schools,” said Coach Bo Odom. “Having been a lifelong student and employee of DeSoto Parish, I am looking forward to maintaining all schools in the parish to the highest degree. Being able to serve the entire parish is an honor and It will not be taken lightly.”
DeSoto Parish Schools welcomes Coach Bo Odom to his new leadership role, and we look forward to his guidance in helping maintain efficient and top-notch facilities.