Mike Lee’s journey as a firefighter began at the Clark County Fire Department, where he dedicated 30 years to protecting the community. His commitment to service was evident in his rise through the ranks, eventually achieving the position of Fire Captain. This role required physical strength, courage, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, qualities that would later prove invaluable in his coaching career.

In 2017, after three decades of service, Lee retired from his firefighting career. However, his passion for serving the community didn’t end there. He transitioned into a new role, channeling his leadership skills and strategic thinking into coaching basketball.

Lee’s firefighting career laid a strong foundation for his future endeavors in the sports world. The qualities he developed – leadership, strategic thinking, and a strong sense of community – have been instrumental in his success as a basketball coach.

High School Triumph: Durango’s Championship Victory

In 2023, Mike Lee took on the role of interim head coach at Durango High School in Las Vegas. Under his guidance, the team clinched the NIAA Class 5A boys high school basketball state championship. This marked Durango’s first state title since 1996, a testament to Coach Lee’s effective leadership and strategic prowess. The team defeated Liberty with a final score of 57-47, a victory Coach Lee described as a “Cinderella story”.

Battle of the Badges: Coaching First Responders

In 2023, Coach Lee stepped up to coach the local firefighters in the highly anticipated “Battle of the Badges” event. This event featured an exciting Police vs Fire Basketball Game, showcasing Las Vegas’s dedicated first responders’ bravery, camaraderie, and competitive spirit. Coach Lee was called upon to serve as the head coach for the Firefighters during this momentous game. You could feel the respect throughout the arena as Mike led the men he served with in this fun charity game, showcasing his love for the game and his brothers.

College of Southern Nevada: A New Chapter

The College of Southern Nevada (CSN) announced the appointment of Mike Lee as the new Head Coach for the Men’s Basketball Team in June 2023. With an impressive background in coaching and a wealth of experience in the basketball community, Coach Lee brought a fresh perspective and a winning mindset to the Coyotes Athletics department. With the 2023-2024 season under his belt, Coach Lee and the Coyotes are in a great place going into the offseason to bring in a new class of talent that he can mold and help bring with the team to new heights and a championship season next year.

Conclusion

Mike Lee’s journey from a firefighter to a successful basketball coach is truly inspiring. His dedication to the sport and his unwavering commitment to player development ensure a bright future for the teams he coaches. From stepping up to the head coaching role at Durango and leading the team to the state championship to coming on board as CSN’s head basketball coach, Mike has proven that he is not afraid of a challenge and has taken those challenges and turned them into victories for himself, his teams and the city of Las Vegas.