Few coaches in any sport have the chance to start and mold a program from the ground up.

Woodstock North girls basketball coach Mike Lewis’ unexpected opportunity came five years ago when the new school opened, and only four years after the Thunder’s first varsity season, they’re contending for a division title.

“He’s always pushing everybody to be the best that they can be and he doesn’t give up on anyone,” senior Sami Ahr said of Lewis. “If he sees one of us struggling, he’ll pull us aside to help figure out what’s going on.”