Meet Coach Turner

Coach has been recognized and honored by his peers, as well as multiple regional and national

third-party organizations for his outstanding SERVICE and achievements. So far, he has been

named Washington Post All-Met Coach of the Year (2019), USA Today All-USA District of

Columbia Coach of the Year (2017 and 2019), and the first National Gatorade Coach of the Year

(2016). Internationally, Coach has proudly represented his country by serving in a variety of

coaching capacities, including an appearance as Head Coach with the USA Basketball

organization.

Coach Turner values EDUCATION and helping young people attain their goals through learning

and academics. In the summertime, Coach serves as the Director of Coach Turner’s Purple Eagle

Basketball Camp, where he helps develop aspiring young players, giving them a chance to learn

the fundamentals of the game. Off the court, Coach has been instrumental in guiding hundreds

of Gonzaga students to successful completion of their high school careers. He has served as a

Director of the VINCO Scholars Program at Gonzaga since 1999, providing academic and

personal support to both current and former students who have transitioned to college.

Above all, Coach puts his love of FAMILY first and considers anyone he’s coached, mentored,

or counseled, over the years, a member of his extended family. One of his greatest joys has been

receiving calls and visits from former players who tell him how much they cherish their time

under his leadership. He is proud of the many successes achieved by the athletes he’s coached

and the students he’s mentored, many of whom have gone on to enjoy incredible careers of

their own.

Closer to Coach Turner’s heart are his pride and joy—his two adult sons, Christian and Jared,

and his wife and best friend of over 30 years, Leah. Coach is a native of the Washington, D.C.

area. He attended Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland, and went on to

earn a bachelor’s degree from Southern Connecticut State University before returning home to

serve his community and raise his family.

*The Jesuit motto, Men for Others, is a phrase coined by Fr. Pedro Arrupe, S.J., in a speech he

delivered in 1973 to encourage personal and social change through selflessness and service.

Coach Stephen “Steve” Turner has dedicated his entire professional life to serving others

through coaching, mentoring, and educating young people. While leading a successful

Basketball is his passion, and Coach Turner’s greatest honor is offering himself as a Man for

Others in all facets of his career.

Coach Turner’s BASKETBALL record speaks for itself. He has served the Gonzaga College High

School Basketball program since 1999, where he began as an assistant coach to the legendary

Dick Myers. In 2004, Coach Turner was promoted to Head Varsity Basketball Coach, tasked with

overseeing all three teams within the program.

With two decades of leadership experience at Gonzaga behind him, Coach Turner has become a

legend in his own right. As of the 2023–24 season, Coach has compiled an exceptional record of

468-171 (.732%), including 4 WCAC Championships, 2 DCSAA Championships, and one D.C. City Title

Championship, and 4 Alhambra Catholic Invitational Championships. Under Coach Turner’s

direction, the Gonzaga program has produced twelve 1st team All-Met players, two All-Met

players of the year, ten DC Gatorade players of the year, and has sent numerous players on to

the collegiate level.