Marlee Smith is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student journalist assigned to cover Phoenix Country Day for AZPreps365.com

Shane Lewis sat back in his office chair. His charcoal grey-black hair shows the years he’s put in with the Phoenix Country Day athletic programs. The athletic director and boys head basketball coach has been a leader at PCDS for 12 years.

His success as the athletic director shows in the trophies, photos and plaques around his office. But, his accomplishments as an 11-year head coach are hidden, including his nine Coach of the Year awards.

Lewis's Coach of the Year awards hidden in his cabinet. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“I keep them in my cabinet because it’s not about me,” he said. “I don’t like putting stuff on the wall that has anything to do with me as an individual.”

He smiled lightly as he pulled the dust-covered plaques from a small cabinet in his office.

“2A Metro Section Coach of the Year, Arizona Basketball Coaches Association,” he read off. “Arizona Republic Northeast Valley, Arizona Republic Small Schools Coach…”

Lewis talks with his team during a timeout. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)His philosophy and belief in team culture propels his program and the school beyond the reach of athletics. The veteran coach has 22 years of experience as a head coach, but never forgets the most important part.

“I think some coaches lose sight of what’s important. It’s not about winning,” he said leaning back. “We’re trying to grow together. I’m trying to grow them as people, and they grow me as a coach and a person.”

Lewis talks to players between quarters. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

The legacy of his programs and their team culture keeps alumni coming back year after year, including the alumni summer basketball open gym.

 “It’s all his players that come back to be a part of this tradition,” said sophomore Sam Tepper.

Lewis displays photos and keepsakes from previous teams in his office. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Lewis leaves a mark on his players, current and former. The life lessons and coaching styles are described by his team in one word:

“Dedicated,” said junior Ben Brodsky.
“Motivational,” said junior Will Magalia
“Handful,” said senior Daniel Gomez.
“Competitive,” said junior Matthew Linhart.
“Intense,” said sophomore Tanti Felli.

Lewis and his team say "Together" at the end of the game. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Those words are what Lewis thinks make a good team. But, for Lewis, it’s not about the team’s record.

“We didn’t win this year,” said Lewis. “But we went 19 and 11 this season and it was magical.”

Lewis and his 2012 championship team. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Since Lewis became head coach in 2011, the boys basketball program has made the playoffs every year. Lewis is the first basketball coach to get a team to the postseason.

In 2012, Lewis and his team brought home PCDS's first basketball state championship. The school, which started in 1961, is home to over 30 state championships across multiple sports.

His boys basketball program has made it to the championships twice, winning in 2012 and losing in 2016.

Lewis holds 11 conference championship plaques in his office. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Lewis is also an accomplished baseball player, winning a national championship in 1991. But he knows as a coach and a player that his programs are about more than him.

"My days are over. I want these guys to have an amazing experience," he said. "It helps that I have a headmaster, an administration board, and a board of trustees that supports our mission, philosophy, and goals."Lewis smiles at his players on senior night. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)