The Lincoln girls basketball program welcomed a new face recently, as longtime area head coach Rabu Leyva joined the staff as an assistant coach. After assistant Kailan Woods' departure for the Collinsville head coaching job, there was a vacancy underneath Melody Stewart's elite program. Leyva fit the bill, after his impressive stint at Booker T. Washington, which included a 2018 Class 5A state championship in his first season at the helm. Leyva was 125-57 in seven seasons at Booker T, which included four 20-win seasons and three state tournament appearances.

Prior to coaching at BTW, Leyva was the head coach at Memorial, taking the Chargers to two state tournaments and compiling an 86-81 record in seven seasons. Now, he joins a Lincoln Christian program that has been to four straight state tournaments and played in two straight Class 4A state title games. We have always appreciated what LCS has been for our family," Leyva said. "I saw an opportunity to bring my skills to hopefully enrich the LCS experience and community."

Leyva is looking forward to working under Stewart and helping continue the success the Bulldogs have had. "I look to bring everyday energy to practice and a fresh set of eyes to the program," he said. "I want to support coach Stewart's vision while bringing a different perspective. Iron sharpens Iron." Leyva has been a fan of Stewart for a while now and feels honored to work by her side in chasing towards a state championship. "Coach Stewart is someone who I respect as a basketball coach and leader," he said. "I look forward to seeing how she runs her program, what she emphasizes on the court and in the film room and the multiple ways that she puts her players in position to score easy points."

As a former head coach, transitioning to an assistant will be different for Leyva. However, he is already preparing for ways he can be at his best for Stewart and the program. "I want to be the best assistant possible," he said. "I have picked the brains of my former assistant to find ways that I can serve Coach Stewart and the girls program. I look forward to having space and time to invest in the individual skills of the players in the program from middle school through high school." This includes studying the game and the preparation that goes into what is a long season. "I am a student of the game," he said. "I love to watch film and love using it as a tool to prepare and instruct players. I love what I do. That hopefully comes through when I am coaching or teaching."

Leyva has always been impressed by LCS and the athletic department, but is especially excited to join the girls program after quickly being around the culture. "What has impressed me is their commitment to excellence and a 'We > Me' mentality," said Leyva. "I have enjoyed witnessing the grit that the players show in summer pride and I am excited to see how that translates into the season and the classroom."

Leyva, who is known for his fun, energetic personality, hopes to continue that, as it is who he is and what makes him a special coach. "It's who I am," he said. "Whether I'm in the classroom or on the basketball court, I am the same person. I believe it is who God has created me to be and helps me to bring out the best in those that I teach and coach." Leyva thinks his personality will be a great fit, as he aligns with the mission of LCS. "I think it is a great fit for me at LCS because we want to raise up the next generation of leaders that can bring their passion into whatever God has for them," he said. "I try to model that daily."

As Leyva's journey begins at LCS, his goal is simple - serve and make an impact. "I hope to leave LCS better than I found it," he said. "I want to serve LCS and give more than I take."