Coach Lauren Dixon is a dynamic and accomplished leader in high school basketball with a proven track record of transforming programs into championship-caliber teams. Since taking over the Florence High School girls’ basketball program in 2019, she has led the Lady Eagles to new heights, including back-to-back Big House appearances and consecutive MHSAA 5A Final Four finishes in 2024 and 2025. Under her leadership, Florence boasts a 127-58 record and has won back-to-back Region 3-5A regular season and district tournament championships.

A two-time Region 3-5A Coach of the Year and a recipient of the prestigious “Tomorrow’s 25” recognition, Coach Dixon is known for instilling discipline, character, and an unmatched work ethic in her players—on and off the court. Her teams have consistently achieved academic success, earning MHSAA Scholar-Athlete Team honors for six consecutive years with a team GPA of 3.8 or higher.

Prior to Florence, she served as head coach at McLaurin High School, where she revitalized the girls’ basketball program and launched the Little Tigers Basketball League. At Brandon High School, she was instrumental in helping the varsity team return to the state tournament and developed a 9th-grade team that went from 3-14 to 18-1 in one season.

Coach Dixon holds three degrees from Mississippi College, including an Education Specialist degree, and is a USA Basketball Gold Licensed Coach. She is also deeply involved in youth development, having founded the Little Eagles Basketball League and hosted multiple community basketball camps.

With more than 25 players going on to play at the collegiate level and a career varsity head coaching record of 158-78, Coach Dixon continues to set the standard for excellence in high school athletics.

Coach Dixon was a multi-sport athlete, earning All-District honors in basketball at Forest Hill High School and East Rankin Academy (2002–2006) before playing at Pearl River Community College. She was named an MHSAA Scholar-Athlete in 2006 and received the Lady Rebel Award at Forest Hill. In softball, she earned six All-District selections under Coach Heidi Hill at Brandon High School and was a state qualifier in track and field, competing in discus and the 4x200m relay.

Coach Dixon has a two children: Gavin (11) and Lucy Grace (6). She also serves as Assistant Athletic Director at FHS. 

Email: lau543@rcsd.ms 

Danyelle Lewis is a proud Florence High School alumna and former standout point guard who led the Lady Eagles to Florence's first appearance in the 2016 MHSAA State Championship game in over 30 years. Her exceptional leadership and court vision earned her a spot at Southwest Mississippi Community College, where she recorded a career-high 29 points in a single game against Pearl River Community College. Danyelle went on to complete her collegiate playing career at William Carey University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Chemistry in 2020.

Currently pursuing her alternate route to education at Jackson State University, Danyelle has brought her passion for basketball and mentoring back to her alma mater. As part of the Lady Eagles’ coaching staff, she played a pivotal role in back-to-back district championships in 2024 and 2025, guiding the team to multiple playoff victories and two consecutive trips to the MHSAA State Championships—better known as “The Big House” in Jackson, Mississippi.

Rick Whitelow Jr. is a passionate and driven basketball coach with a lifelong love for the game. A former standout player at Hillcrest Academy, Rick transitioned from the court to the sidelines in 2025 when he began his coaching career at Florence High School. In his debut season, he played an instrumental role in guiding the Lady Eagles to a district championship, three playoff victories, and a berth at the prestigious MHSAA State Championships—better known as “The Big House” in Jackson, Mississippi.

Committed to both personal and professional growth, Rick is currently pursuing a degree in Education and Coaching. He strives to inspire young athletes to excel on and off the court, emphasizing discipline, teamwork, and a winning mindset.