[Women's Basketball] Lewis one of top Coyotes during sophomore campaign

Virja Lewis (SO/Kansas City, Kan.) didn't have to look any farther than the family driveway in Kansas City, Kan. in her attempts to improve her basketball skills last summer.

Following a decent freshman season at Kansas Wesleyan last winter, Lewis was determined be a better player in her sophomore year with the Coyotes.

"My dad, Tyron Walker, worked with me on a lot of stuff, like he always has," Lewis said of her summer regimen. "And it was always me and my sisters in the driveway because we have a whole starting lineup in my family.

"There's six of us. Both of my little sisters are taller than me, one's 6-2, the other one's 6-foot. We always make each other better in some form."

Fast forward to February, 2019, and it's obvious her efforts were successful. Lewis enters KWU's game Wednesday against Bethel averaging 7.8 points while shooting 53.4 percent. She's also fifth in rebounding in the Kansas Conference at 7.7 per game and has blocked 11 shots while starting all 26 of the Coyotes' games. She had 14 points and seven rebounds in KWU's 81-58 victory over Friends last Saturday.

Lewis averaged 5.0 points, 4.5 rebounds and shot 45 percent a year ago.

"I worked on finishing (my shots) – that was one of the big aspects coming out of my freshman year – and rebounding and things like that. I also did my (cardiovascular conditioning)."

As a result, Lewis has become an anchor inside for the Coyotes, who are 20-6 overall, 18-2 in the Kansas Conference, and are riding a 10-game winning streak.

"I'd say my rebounding has improved the most," Lewis said. "It's always something I've been able to do in high school, but I really feel like I've taken it to another level.

"My finishing down low has improved. It's making sure you have that focus, square your shoulders, making sure you line up with the basket and finishing strong. Taking contact, don't avoid it … it's the little things that help."

Wesleyan coach Ryan Showman says Lewis is a more complete player.

"Every part of her game, whether it's mental or physical, is so much better," he said. "The strides she's taken from her freshman year to where she's at now as a sophomore has been incredible. Her production and her ability to impact games has been an absolutely huge part of our success up to this point."

At 6-foot-1, Lewis is a physical presence at both ends of the court.

"I like the physicality because it makes me work harder," she said. "There's no point fearing your opponent at all. It's all about having fun. If you have fun with it, then the game is fun."

"She makes little guards second guess their life choices," Showman said. "She definitely alters game plans for coaches just because of her physical presence.

"She knows how to push herself and play hard. That's something all freshmen struggle with. Couple that with being in better shape and she can do things at a high level."

Lewis' improvement has continued during the season, which she attributes to her teammates. Lewis battles fellow post players Maddie Miller (SR/Kiefer, Okla.), Lauren Flowers (FR/Overland Park, Kan.) and Janai Mitchell (SR/Salina, Kan.) each day in practice.

"Competing with them, they made me better," she said. "It's just a way of holding myself accountable."

Lewis attended Insight School and F.L. Schlagle High School in KCK. She was homeschooled her senior year and also played for Schlagle as Kansas State High School Activities Association rules allow students to play for a high school team if they're attending at least one class at the school. Lewis took a physical education class while playing for the Stallions.

"Everything's done on line and I'm not working the entire day," she said of the homeschool experience. "It was really flexible. All of my siblings are homeschooled right now."

Lewis said she chose KWU for several reasons.

"My visit was amazing," she said. "Coach (Tyler) Smith was great when I first met her and talked to her. Showman was great, the team was great and I just loved the atmosphere of the university.

"The passing of my grandfather happened the same night I made my decision, which was really big for me. I always think of that as motivation to go hard on the court and also in the classroom."

Lewis will face Bethel's sophomore post player Abby Schmidt on Wednesday. Schmidt leads the KCAC in rebounding (10.8 per game), field goal percentage (55.2) and is fifth in scoring (14.9 points). She was named the conference's Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.

The Threshes are fourth in the KCAC standings at 13-7 and have won seven of their last nine games, including a 70-68 victory over Sterling last Wednesday.

"Stay in front of her, stay low (on defense)," Lewis said of Schmidt. "I know I'll have my help side (defender) there, so I don't have to worry too much if the ball gets over my head. I just have to compete and stay with her."

Lewis' impact off the court has been equally important.

"She's a great personality, she's always having fun, she's bought into our culture and is a big part of that," Showman said. "From an outsider looking in and observing this team interact, she's a very positive part of that."