With the lights out and the doors closed, Coach Abderahman Lamane approaches the front entrance to a hauntingly quiet CVHS. Moments later his footsteps echo through the hallways that will soon fill with students. Every day, Lamane is the first to arrive in the morning and the last to leave in the evening — a routine he has maintained not out of obligation but out of an unrelenting sense of purpose.
“Coaching is just part of what I do, but it’s really about helping students grow,” says Lamane. “It tests you, challenges you, and gives you a different dynamic with the students. That’s what keeps me going”
For Lamane, who grew up in Morocco, this mission is deeply personal. His introduction to sports wasn’t through organized elementary activities; such opportunities didn’t exist in his early years. “Back then, physical education started in middle school. But even as a kid, you dreamt about it—about being part of a team, competing in handball, gymnastics, or soccer. You’d watch middle schoolers play other schools and just want to be there,” he recalls.
When he finally reached middle school, Lamane’s journey was shaped by a professional handball coach who saw potential in him. “He nurtured me and gave me a chance. I made the team, competed, and we won the district. That mentorship changed everything,” he shares. His experiences as an athlete — and the life lessons he learned along the way — inspired him to follow a similar path.
“Sports are a way to find strengths you didn’t know you had,” Lamane explains. “I didn’t come from a family involved in organized sports. I wanted to be that guy in my family, and I discovered that sports rely so much on science and medicine, like exercise science, which I found fascinating.”
Since arriving at Carnegie in 2007, Lamane has embraced the unique challenges of working with an academically focused student body. “Here, you have to dig deep to find athletes,” he says. “We don’t have the same numbers as bigger schools, but it’s rewarding because you see students grow in ways they didn’t expect. They realize they’re capable of more.”
His coaching philosophy reflects a blend of his personal journey and professional insight. “Never underestimate anyone,” he advises. “There’s always something in them that will shine, even if it takes time.” Lamane emphasizes the importance of teamwork and the idea that everyone contributes to a larger system. “Not everyone is the fastest or strongest, but together, they create something powerful.”
He also places a strong emphasis on science and mental resilience. “You can’t just repeat drills without understanding why. If sports medicine can improve agility or strength, we should adapt those practices for young athletes. And the psychological side is just as important. Not all coaches are equipped to handle it, but it’s a huge factor in an athlete’s success.”
Beyond the field, Lamane’s dedication is driven by a desire to be the mentor he wishes he’d had growing up. “Coaching isn’t just about the sport or winning games,” he says. “It’s about helping students grow as people, discovering new skills, and becoming better in all areas of life.”
Lamane’s impact goes beyond athletics. For him, every early morning and late night is part of a bigger picture: a commitment to his students and a belief that they can achieve greatness — with the right guidance. “It’s not about being the first one in and the last one out,” he says with a smile. “It’s about being there when they need it most.”
