Coach Lewis graduated from Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington D.C., finishing his senior year as 1st team All Metro, D.C. Metro Player of the Year, third team McDonald's All-American, 2nd team Parade All-American, and an Academic All-AMerican. He went on to play basketball at the University of Maryland from 1984-1988 for legendary coaches Lefty Driesell and Bob Wade.  As a Maryland Terrapin, he was two-time All Atlantic Coast Conference and the only UM men’s player to record two triple-doubles during his career. He is currently the all time leader in blocked shots and third all time leading rebounder.  

After graduating in 1988, he was drafted in the third round by the Chicago Bulls. Coach Lewis played 15 years of basketball professionally in Europe in the Pro A division of the French Professional Basketball League, excelling as a three-time French League All Star, four-time French Rebound Champion and six-time blocked shots leader. He is the only player to ever record a quadruple-double in the French A-league (20 points, 12 rebounds, 11 blocks, 10 steals). 

Retiring in 2004, Coach Lewis owns and operates the Derrick Lewis Basketball Camps and Clinics, teaching basketball fundamentals to children and young adults. He was the 2011-12 Baltimore Catholic League Coach of the Year and 2012-13 Anne Arundel County Coach of the Year.

In 2015, he earned his Master’s degree in Secondary Education and has been a physical education teacher for 15 years. Derrick is currently a physical education teacher in Washington D.C.