Aaron Lewis Joins the 90+ Project as Director of Programming

Spokane, WA — The 90+ Project is proud to announce the hiring of Aaron Lewis as its new Director of Programming. A seasoned coach and respected leader, Lewis brings an 

exceptional record of accomplishment and a deep commitment to holistic development both on and off the field. Lewis has served as the head coach of Gonzaga University’s men’s soccer team since April 2021. Under his leadership, Gonzaga has achieved remarkable milestones, including one of the most improved seasons in the country during his first year, a nationally ranked recruiting class in 2022, the best start in team history in 2024, and program record GPA’s over the last three semesters. His tenure also emphasized community engagement, with student-athletes actively volunteering and giving back to the Spokane community.

Before joining Gonzaga, Lewis was the head coach at Corban University for six seasons. There, he led his teams to six consecutive NAIA Championship appearances, earning three Cascade Collegiate Conference (CCC) Tournament titles and two regular-season championships. Lewis’ leadership also extended to the Portland Timbers U23 squad, where he coached numerous players who went on to sign professional contracts, including Siad Haji, who was selected #2 overall in the MLS draft (San Jose Earthquakes). As a player, Lewis made history as the first NAIA player to be drafted into Major League Soccer, selected by the Dallas Burn (now FC Dallas) in 1999. Lewis also worked as an administrator with the Portland Timbers as the organization from 2010-2013, aiding in the transition into Major League Soccer. 

The addition of Lewis to the 90+ Project marks an exciting new chapter for the organization. As Director of Programming, Lewis will focus on developing initiatives that align with the organization’s mission of fostering character, leadership, and mental wellness in young athletes. Russ Davis, Executive Director of the 90+ Project, shared his enthusiasm for the hire: “We are thrilled to welcome Aaron Lewis as the new Director of Programming at the 90+ Project. Aaron is a strong leader and an exceptional coach who has the unique ability to inspire and develop other coaches. His high character and people-first approach align perfectly with our mission. With an impressive resume that includes coaching at both the NAIA and NCAA Division 1 levels, Aaron brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to creating programs that focus on growth on and off the field. We couldn’t be more excited to have him join our team and help us continue to build meaningful opportunities for our community.”

Lewis’s passion for soccer and community development is evident in his career trajectory, which includes not only success on the field, but also a focus on academic excellence and community service. His track record of inspiring student-athletes and coaches makes him the ideal fit to lead programming efforts at the 90+ Project. Lewis said, “This is such an exciting opportunity for me, as I truly feel 90+ has created the vision and platform to make a mighty impact on our region through soccer. Development and growth are shared passions for me and 90+, and I can’t wait to partner with them to keep momentum building. I would like to thank Russ, the hiring committee and the 90+ board for entrusting me in this new chapter of the project.”   

The 90+ Project is dedicated to using soccer as a platform to develop character, leadership, and resilience in young people. With the addition of Aaron Lewis to the leadership team, the organization is poised to further its impact on the Spokane community and beyond. For more information about the 90+ Project and its programs, please visit www.90plusproject.org.