Coach Levels named Lamar’s Teacher of the Year
Slam-dunk your worries and shoot for the stars.
That’s the mindset Lamar High School teacher and basketball coach Errin Levels instills in her students and players every single day.
“We have to share the good days and bad days,” Levels said. “It’s the consistency of showing up for each other every day and knowing that we have the support of each other.”
Levels started her career in Arlington ISD at Shackelford Junior High before moving to Lamar in 2006.
As Lamar’s varsity girls’ basketball coach for the last 17 years, she has guided multiple teams to regional tournaments, a testament to her leadership and commitment to excellence. 
“Those teams were alike in their work ethic and dedication,” she said. “They loved each other, and they loved to win.”
This season, that dedication helped her team achieve a long-awaited milestone – making it to the playoffs after a six-year hiatus.
“Going to the playoffs this year was so much fun,” she said. “We had been working toward this goal for two years. Behind the scenes we worked in the summer, running cross country and participating in the fall league. It was hours of work to lead into the season. We really bonded as a unit during those hours, so for us to reach the goal together was so fulfilling.”
The team finished second in the district and made a strong run before falling in the area round.
But it’s not all about basketball for Levels. Her impact extends far beyond the court as she instills in her students a drive for excellence in academics, leadership and life.
“Beyond the wins on the court, she truly wants the best for our students,” said Lamar principal Leslie Maroney. “To her, education goes beyond the game. She ensures her players understand the world around them and develop a mindset of lifelong learning.”
In fact, she’s helped secure college opportunities for every player she has coached over the last five years.
“It all started from me receiving a graduation announcement with a picture from a former student,” Levels said. “I decided to make a board and post it in my office window. Naturally, the kids saw the board and asked me about the kids on it. I explained that they were former students who were graduating college and that I wanted to see them on the board, too. From there I talked to them about college, and they just bought in. They all know the expectation is for them to go to college after high school. It’s been really neat how they come back and visit after graduating. Their presence is a simple reminder of their possibilities.”
Levels’ impact has been nothing short of transformational.
“Under her leadership, the girls’ basketball team has flourished,” Maroney said. “She embodies what it means to be a true educator, mentor and leader. Her unwavering commitment to student success, both in the classroom and in athletics, sets a powerful example for our entire school community. Watching her push students to reach their full potential and then celebrate their achievements is truly inspiring. She represents everything we strive for at Lamar – dedication, perseverance and an unshakable belief in the greatness of all students. And she does it with a big smile.” 
That’s also why Levels was named the Lamar High School Teacher of the Year for the 2024-25 school year.
But she couldn’t have done it without her students, too.
“I’m so proud of my kids,” she said. “We played through so much adversity and became resilient. They developed so much pride in themselves and our team. We learned how to play for something bigger than ourselves, and that is a lesson you can use for a lifetime!”