Doris M.H. Lewis Memorial Practitioner Award
The Lewis Sports Foundation (LSF) awards grants to local practitioners. At least two sports professionals are presented small tokens of appreciation for their tireless work and effort to service youth. These awards are designated to provide support to each practitioner and their organization.
The Doris M.H. Lewis Memorial Practitioner Award is given to recognize outstanding effort as a teaching professional who tirelessly works in leadership and physical activity positions in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area. We target those individuals who teach and/or coach young people despite the odds that confront them as they succeed.
We’d like to recognize Doris M.H. Lewis Memorial Practitioner Award recipient:
2026
Tara Starks
Hopkins High School
Tara Starks is a trailblazing leader in girls’ basketball and the Executive Director of Minnesota Metro Stars 3SSB as well as Head Coach of Hopkins High School Girls Basketball.
Raised in North Minneapolis and a graduate of Minneapolis North High School, Starks transitioned from a brief playing career into coaching, beginning at the youth level and advancing to high school and AAU basketball. During her career, she has coached elite talents including Paige Bueckers, Minnesota legend and 2025 WNBA No. 1 draft pick.
Starks has led teams to two Minnesota State High School Championships, five consecutive appearances in the Class 4A State Championship game. She has been honored as Section 6‑4A Coach of the Year. Known for her discipline‑centered and student‑focused approach, her influence extends far beyond the court.
Past Recipients:
2025 - Kelsey Joson - InControl
2024 - Audrey Kludtke - Metro Deaf School
2023 - JoeAnn Jackson-Matthews - Eagles Wings Track Club
2022 - Meredith Lang - Mosaic Hockey Collective
2021 - Lori Prioleau - Summit University Girls Athletics Association
2020 - No award given
2019 - Deborah Williams - St. Paul Parks & Rec
2018 - Kiara Buford - Robbinsdale Cooper High School
2017 - Beulah Verdell - Minneapolis North Community High School
2014 to 2016 - No award given
2013 - Linda Coleman - Merrick Community Services
2012 - Crystal Flint - Shooting Stars Girls Program
2011 - Tonyus Chavers - Richard Green Middle School
Doris M.H. Lewis
Doris M. H. Lewis was a scholar and physical education teacher at the primary grade levels. She was a cheerleader and graduate of Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO. She was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority and Order of the Eastern Star and earned her Master’s degree from the University of Missouri. Doris was an early integrator of the Columbia Public Schools in Columbia, MO, and taught for over 25 years. She was very instrumental in raising three sons, two of whom were professional football players. She was also the stabilizing force and supportive wife of Leo Lewis, Jr. during his Hall of Fame football career and coaching roles at Lincoln University. Doris passed away in 1980.
Founded in 1999 by Leo Lewis, the Lewis Sports Foundation is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit community service organization dedicated to providing our youth with the tools to develop lifeskills through education and physical activity.
