Steve Turner enters his first season as head coach of the Montverde Academy Boys National Basketball Team for the 2025–26 school year, bringing with him more than two decades of experience and a reputation as one of the most respected coaches in high school basketball. Known for his strategic mind, emphasis on player development, and commitment to academic and personal excellence, Turner is expected to be a strong fit for Montverde Academy’s championship-caliber program.
Prior to his arrival at Montverde, Turner spent 21 years as the head coach at Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., where he built one of the premier basketball programs in the country. During his tenure, he led Gonzaga to a remarkable 497–176 record, guiding the team to numerous Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) titles and D.C. State Championships, including the 2024–25 D.C. State AA crown. His ability to sustain success in one of the nation’s most competitive regions speaks to both his coaching acumen and his talent for cultivating winning cultures.
Turner’s excellence has been recognized through a long list of coaching accolades. He has been named WCAC Coach of the Year six times (2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2025), in addition to being honored by the D.C. Basketball Coaches Association, the Capital Classic, and The Washington Post. Nationally, he was named Gatorade National Coach of the Year in 2016 and has received USA Today All-USA Coach of the Year recognition as well. His experience also includes coaching on the international stage as the head coach of the USA Basketball Men’s Nike Hoop Summit Team, where he helped lead some of the top high school talent in the country to international success.
Beyond the accolades, what truly distinguishes Coach Turner is his consistent focus on the complete development of his student-athletes. He has mentored dozens of players who have advanced to play NCAA Division I basketball, and he is known for instilling in them a foundation of discipline, accountability, teamwork, and leadership. His players excel not only on the court but in the classroom and in life beyond basketball—something Turner has always emphasized as a critical part of his coaching philosophy.
Turner’s arrival at Montverde Academy marks an exciting new chapter for the nationally renowned program. His values align closely with the school’s mission of developing character, fostering academic excellence, and competing at the highest athletic levels. With his proven ability to lead elite-level teams and shape the next generation of student-athletes, Turner is well positioned to guide Montverde Academy basketball to continued national prominence.
