MONTVERDE, Fla. (December 19, 2025) -- Montverde Academy boys basketball head coach Steve Turner reached a historic milestone on Friday, December 19, earning the 500th win of his illustrious high school basketball coaching career as the Eagles defeated Gillion Academy 67-61 on day one of the City of Palms Classic in Fort Myers, Florida.

The victory marked a special moment for Turner, who is in his first season with the Eagles after a highly successful 21-year tenure at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C. Turner arrived at Montverde Academy with 497 career wins and now joins an elite group of coaches to reach the 500-win plateau.

One of the most respected coaches in high school basketball, Turner compiled a 497–176 record at Gonzaga, leading the program to multiple WCAC championships and D.C. State titles, including the 2024–25 D.C. State AA crown. His coaching excellence has been recognized nationally and regionally, including induction into the Washington Metropolitan Basketball Hall of Fame, six WCAC Coach of the Year honors, and the 2016 Gatorade National Coach of the Year award.

Beyond the wins and accolades, Turner is widely known for his emphasis on player development, leadership, and academic excellence. He has mentored dozens of student-athletes who have gone on to compete at the NCAA Division I level while preparing them for success beyond the court.

Turner's 500th career win adds another milestone to an already distinguished career and represents a strong start to his tenure leading Montverde Academy's nationally renowned basketball program.

Congratulations Coach Turner!