Here’s the thing about Raul Lara—he’s not just your run-of-the-mill football coach. The Mater Dei High School legend is part coach, part gym-bro, and full-on inspiration. At 58 years young, Lara still squats an awe-inspiring 429 pounds, proving he’s the kind of guy who practices what he preaches. Known for getting his players—and even his peers—pumped about fitness, Lara draws from all kinds of sources for his relentless drive. Whether it’s Mike Tyson’s resilience to box at the same age as the Monarch’s coach or the camaraderie in the weight room, Lara’s ethos is clear: strength builds success, on and off the field.

But Lara’s latest spark of motivation came from an expected place: an Instagram reel. Just days after leading Mater Dei to a dominant 37-15 win over De La Salle to clinch a perfect 13-0 season and their second straight state championship, Lara shared a video on his story that got everyone talking. The reel, posted by the popular lifting page King of the Lifts, showcased World medalist Cranon Warford pulling off an insane 530-pound deadlift session. But here’s the kicker—she wasn’t lifting alone. Her mom was right there with her, sharing laughs and reps in what might be the most wholesome weightlifting content on the internet. Raul Lara couldn’t contain his excitement, posting the reel with the caption, “This is Awesome!!!”

And let’s be honest—it really is awesome. In a world where sports are often about rivalries and records, seeing a world-class athlete bond with her mom over deadlifts is a breath of fresh air. He is no stranger to finding life lessons in unexpected places, saw something deeper in that video. It wasn’t just about raw power or perfect form. It’s the discipline that comes with it. For Lara, who’s spent decades mentoring young high school athletes, that message hit home. It’s not just about winning. It’s about the journey and who’s with you along the way.

Of course, Lara’s journey is nothing short of legendary. Before taking over at Mater Dei, he built a dynasty at Long Beach Poly, amassing a jaw-dropping 142-30 record over 13 years and racking up six CIF Division I championships as a head coach—and another six as an assistant. The man’s trophy case is basically overflowing. And now, at Mater Dei, he’s added back-to-back state championships to his résumé, all while keeping his players focused, disciplined, and, yes, inspired. His secret? It’s not just in his playbook. It’s about the intangibles: leadership and finding ways to connect with his team on a human level.

That’s where the gym comes in. Lara’s players don’t just see him as a coach—they see him as one of them. Good thing is he will make Dan Lanning’s prized recruits harboured under him fit than ever before. When they’re grinding out reps in the weight room, he’s right there with them, proving age is just a number. And when he shares videos like Warford’s on Instagram, it’s a reminder that strength isn’t just physical.

Raul Lara is a student of the game

Just like his gym spirit, he lifts us all by finding motivation in everything. Another veteran coach who recently inspired him is Deion Sanders himself. Coach Prime’s influence knows no bounds, and it’s not just college football feeling his presence—it’s trickling into elite high school programs, too. Mater Dei head coach Raul Lara is the latest to vibe with Deion Sanders’ unique blend of motivation and positivity. Known for his relentless promotion of self-love and kindness, Coach Prime’s words seem to resonate well beyond his sidelines.

Recently, Sanders shared a message on X (formerly Twitter) that hit home: “Be kind, even when you’re having a challenging day. Please be kind to the people around you. A smile & a kind word can make a huge difference in someone’s day. Also, make certain you’re kind to yourself as well. You matter, baby! #CoachPrime.” The post didn’t just make waves—it got a nod from Lara himself, who reposted it on his Instagram story with a resounding, “Yup!!”

All in all, it’s simple when it comes to coach Lara, whether it’s about hitting the gym or findin the motivation, he’s got us covered.