BENSALEM, Pa. – Montverde (Fla.) Academy has found their man to author the next chapter of their famed boys’ basketball program.
Steve Turner, who guided Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.) to national prominence and a regular spot in the Blue Star Media Elite 25 rankings for more than two decades, was announced its new coach on Monday, March 31.
Turner’s first order of business is to attend the CHIPOTLE High School Nationals this week in Fishers, Indiana in support of his new program. The No. 9 Eagles (19-7) play No. 20 Dynamic Prep (Irving, Texas) Wednesday in a first round play-in game.
He takes over for future Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame coach Kevin Boyle, who announced on March 5, he was leaving to become the Director of Basketball and Head Coach for the National High School Team at Spire Academy in Geneva, Ohio.
This season Turner led No. 12 Gonzaga (29-5) to the District of Columbia State Athletic Association Class AA championship while playing one of the most challenging schedules in the nation. His teams competed in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference, considered the nation’s premier traditional high school league. Now he’ll lead the Nike-sponsored Eagles when they play a national schedule in the ultra-competitive Nike EYBL Scholastic Conference.
In a prepared statement, Montverde Academy Head of School Jon Hopman said:
“I am extremely excited to welcome Coach Turner and his wife Leah as we begin this new chapter in Montverde Academy boys basketball. Coach Turner’s incredible reputation in the elite boys basketball arena speaks for itself, and we are honored to have such a respected man of integrity represent Montverde Academy.
“His reputation is built not only on his teams’ successes but also on his dedication to mentoring young athletes, emphasizing personal growth, academic achievement, and athletic excellence. His deep appreciation for the value of a college preparatory school environment and his commitment to nurturing student-athletes makes him a perfect fit for Montverde Academy. Coach Turner is what we call a transformational coach and mentor—one that will have a positive influence on his players, our Center for Basketball Development, and the broader school community.
Known as a player’s coach, who develops talent for the next level, Turner’s coaching highlights are impressive. He concluded his tenure at Gonzaga with a 496-176 record in 21 years.
► Head coach for the USA Men’s Nike Hoop Summit Team and led the Men’s Junior National Select Team to victory over the World Select Team.
► Accolades include District of Columbia State Athletic Association Coach of the Year (2020 and 2025); WCAC Coach of the Year in 2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2025; D.C. Basketball Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2025; Capital Classic DMV Coach of the Year in 2017; National Gatorade Coach of the Year in 2016; USA Today All-USA District of Columbia Coach of the Year in 2017 and 2019; Washington Post All-MET Coach of the Year in 2019; Washington Post District of Columbia Coach of the Year in 2008; and D.C. Sports Fan Coach of the Year in 2008.
In a social media post on X, Turner said in part: “It is with deep appreciation and utmost respect for this amazing community that I share this news. At the end of the 2024-25 basketball season, I was offered an opportunity to take my career to a new level as the next Head Coach of Boys Varsity National Basketball at Montverde Academy in Florida. I have decided to accept the offer.
“I did not make my decision lightly. I’ve spent half of my life on Eye Street, committed to serving as Man for Others. I have given my heart and soul to Gonzaga for 26 years; and, in turn, Gonzaga has helped shape me into the coach, mentor, father, father and person I am today.
“I will be forever grateful to my colleagues, students, and the parents who supported me and helped me soar to great heights while at Gonzaga. And, while I’m looking forward to seeing how high these Eagle’s Wings will take me, Gonzaga will always have a special place in my heart.”
No successor at Gonzaga has been named but a search is ongoing.
