Montverde, Fla. (February 25, 2026) – In a season defined by resilience and excellence, Montverde Academy boys basketball head coach Steve Turner has been named one of the finalists for the prestigious Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy Coach of the Year award.
In his first year leading the Eagles, Turner has guided Montverde Academy to one of the most impressive seasons in the country. After an early 0-3 start, the Eagles responded in dominant fashion, winning 20 of their last 22 contests to reach a 20-5 overall record with one regular season game remaining. Montverde Academy currently holds the No. 1 national ranking, a testament to the program's consistency and Turner's steady leadership throughout the season.
Under Turner's direction, Montverde Academy has continued to set the standard for excellence in high school basketball. The Eagles have already officially captured the Nike EYBL Scholastic regular season conference title, hence earning the No. 1 seed in the upcoming 2026 Nike EYBL Scholastic Tournament, positioning the team for a strong postseason run in March.
Turner's recognition as a finalist for the Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy National Coach of the Year reflects both his immediate impact and his ability to guide one of the nation's premier programs through a season of high expectations. His leadership has helped the Eagles grow into one of the most cohesive and dangerous teams in the country, highlighted by disciplined play, consistent improvement, and strong performances against elite competition.
Montverde Academy's rise to the top of the national rankings this season has been fueled by a culture of accountability and development that Turner has emphasized since day one. The Eagles' ability to rebound from early adversity and establish themselves as the nation's top-ranked team speaks to the trust and confidence Turner has built within the program.
"We could not be more excited that Coach Turner is a finalist for the Naismith Coach of the Year," said Montverde Academy Head of School Jon Hopman. "In his first season at Montverde Academy, he's sustained our national prominence while instilling character, integrity and a transformational culture that elevates our team and entire school community."
Being named a finalist for the Jersey Mike's Naismith Trophy National Coach of the Year is one of the highest honors in high school basketball, and Turner's selection underscores the remarkable season Montverde Academy has put together.
Coach Turner is one of 10 finalists for the award and the winner of the award will be announced in early March.
About Montverde Academy:
Montverde Academy is a private, independent college preparatory school for grades Pre-K3 through post-graduate studies, with a boarding program serving grades 7-12 representing 70+ nationalities. Our mission is to inspire students to become knowledgeable leaders with global vision and passion for learning, in a disciplined and diverse community that nurtures character development. For more information, visit us online at Montverde.org and at MVASports.com.
