TESTIMONIALS

Former Players

Kris Jenkins

 “Outside of my family, Coach Turner was the first coach who made me feel like family while pushing me to be better than I thought. He added to my confidence on and off the court, and for that, I will forever and always be grateful and thankful.”

Chris Lykes

“I knew what I wanted, but I still wasn’t sure of myself. Coach Turner had more confidence in me than I had in myself when starting my high school career. That one single decision he made changed my life forever and enabled me to succeed into who I am today.”

Tyler Thornton

 “Coach Turner is the ultimate player’s coach, as a young player in the program, he helped me find my voice as a leader on and off the floor. He fosters an environment that allows young men to play with a high level of swagger and confidence. Gonzaga is a place where you get challenged in the classroom, and Coach Turner holds guys to that same high standard on the court. I’m very lucky to have been a part of his legacy. My time at Gonzaga was the foundation that gave me the opportunity to play at Duke & professionally. His impact on me as a young man is part of the reason why I chose to become a coach after retiring from playing.”

Coaches on staff

Keith Urgo

 “Steve Turner is not just a tremendous basketball mind, which he most certainly is, but he is one of the most influential leaders of young men that I’ve had the good fortune to call a friend and mentor. I’m blessed to have been given my first coaching opportunity by Steve and forever grateful for his mentorship throughout my career. I truly believe that Coach Turner has changed and positively influenced not just my life, but so many young men that he’s had the privilege to coach and mentor. No matter the level, Coach Turner is one of the best I have ever seen on and off the court! ”

Roger Garfield

“As a basketball coach, Steve Turner wins because he cares -- about the individual young men who wear purple for us, about showing them the power of togetherness, and about using sport as a vessel to teach life lessons. I'm lucky to call Steve my boss, mentor, and close friend -- and have a front row seat to witness his peerless tenacity, his genuine connections with our players, and his love for the game of basketball. Steve lives Gonzaga Basketball every single day, and the school community is incredibly fortunate that he has chosen to serve there for 25 years!”

Devin Williams

 “Steve is one of the most genuine, hardworking, and responsible people I know. He is kind and down-to-earth. One example is when he gave me the opportunity to join his basketball family at Gonzaga. I was a young, inexperienced coach trying to make my name. Steve tasked me with running his freshman basketball team. Over the years, Steve became less of a boss and more of a brother, who went out of his way to teach me more about life through his experiences. Through his mentorship and tutelage, I've learned how to become a better coach and more importantly, a stronger leader.”

Coaches Vs. Steve Turner

Mike Jones

“Coach Turner is one of the best coaches and has proved it time and time again. He has always been one of the toughest to prepare for and young men love playing for him. He is both a player’s coach AND a coach’s coach - there aren’t many of those in this business. Every level he coaches at, he wins.”

John Mosco

“Steve Turner is a first-class person who happens to be a very fine basketball coach. Steve has a great work ethic, and his teams are always well-prepared and skilled. Steve runs one of the best true high school programs out there. The only thing Steve is better at than coaching is being a true friend.”

Eric Singletary

 “Steve Turner is one of the finest and sharpest basketball minds in the country. His passion for the sport and his love for his players are on full display. I have been blessed to witness his brilliance firsthand as an assistant coach, mentee, and opposing coach. I continue to be motivated by Steve and feel blessed to be able to bend his ear on an almost daily basis. Steve Turner, the quintessential teacher/coach in the DMV and beyond.”