Father of four, David Lewis, knows how important a positive sports experience can be to a child’s growth and development. A former youth athlete and sports fan, Coach Dave credits his coaches as invaluable life role modules. Which is exactly why he’s been assertive in giving back to the next generation of players in his Columbia Heights, MN community.

“As a player I have had the pleasure of having great coaches who were also great people,” wrote Coach Dave, expressing the critical foundation coaches provided in his life.

Now in his forth year as a coach across three sports (basketball, baseball and football), our 36-year-old Coach of the Week is having a ball working with his 10U basketball players. Attributing to the success of his Hylanders Royal Blue and Heights White & Blue basketball teams are the reinforcements provided by the parks and recreation governing body.

“I am proud and honored to have developed a close relationship with an extremely talented youth sports program,” Coach Dave wrote noting the involvement and care league directors and community members provide.

Coach Dave also takes extra measures to ensure his players walk away from the season with a well-rounded experience. Besides the normal practice and game schedule, he has maintained an off court presence in his players lives by assigning Weplay basketball drills as homework as well as organizing scrimmages and high school game watches. Coach Dave’s hope is that by providing a diverse list of learning opportunities, each child will be exposed to an outlet that works best for them.

Pulling from his leadership role as a project manager as well as his 13-years of military experience, Coach Dave’s coaching fundamentals are clear – support each player’s growth and development on and off the court with a clear and structured plan. Thanks to the love and support of his wife Molly and four active sports children: Keon, Kobe, Kaleb and Kalise, there’s no doubt Coach Dave will continue to be a successful mentor.

We wish Coach Dave and his teams a successful season and many more to come!

Coach Dave Lewis’ Keys to Success:

1. Set goals: individual and team goals
2. Consistently coach positive habits from day 1
3. Discipline, Discipline, Discipline
4. Fundamentals, Fundamentals, Fundamentals
5. Practice, Practice, Practice