Coach Duane Lewis (North Mecklenburg) Wins Career No. 400
Coach Duane Lewis secured career win no. 400 with North Mecklenburg’s 69-46 win over Mooreville High School Friday night. Duane Lewis is what North Mecklenburg basketball is all about. Lewis played there and wouldn’t coach anywhere else, coaching at his alma mater is his “dream job.” You see, Coach Duane Lewis eats, sleeps, and lives North Mecklenburg basketball. You won’t find a more passionate and caring coach!
Year after year, North Mecklenburg continues to be one of the top teams in the state. He'continuously produces collegiate level players and no one is a bigger fan of his players than Coach Lewis himself. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Coach Lewis since 2003 and while we are not related, he is often referred as “Cousin Lew-ie.” He is passionate, caring and is always promoting his players with college coaches, exactly what you would expect out of a highly successful coach. Coach Lewis has been won one NCHSAA 4A state championship and been a runner up the following year, but that is small in comparison to the joy he gets when his players have the opportunity to get a basketball scholarship.
In speaking with his daughter, Lauren Lewis Galvani, who is now the girls varsity coach at Independence, has learned a lot along the way. Galvani who will turn 27 stated, “Ive literally spent 20 years of my life in the North Meck gym. Between by fifth and eight grade years, I was at every practice doing all the drills, playing against the varsity boys, which helped me when I was a player on the North Meck’s girls team. I’ve learned so much from my dad. Now, we’ve reversed roles at times. He’s the one calling me to stay clam, be patience and trust the process.. I know he’s just a phone call away to give me pointers. I’m so happy for him. You won’t find a more caring coach. He absolutely loves his players and has developed a life long bond and friendship with them.”
Photos courtesy of the Charlotte Observer