ATHLETE OF THE WEEK: Trinity Turner

Dr. Phillips High School girls varsity basketball team junior point guard Trinity Turner has been a part of the team for three years. This year, Turner is averaging 21.1 points per game this season and is ranked No. 2 in the state of Florida. “I picked Trinity Turner because of her passion and love for the game of basketball,” Dr. Phillips head basketball coach Anthony Jones said. “She is always in the top two in practice — in sprints and drills. Trinity doesn’t mind absorbing the team’s pressure, sacrificing whatever it takes to win.”

Tell us about your years as a basketball player.
I started playing when I was 4 years old. I’ve been playing basketball all my life. My dad (James Turner) is my coach, who trained me. I played in middle school at Lee Middle, high school here all three years, won a state championship. My team is great here, and I get to play against tough people all over the country. 

Why basketball? 
Basketball has been (a part of my life) since I came out of the womb. When I watched LeBron (James) play, it inspired me and motivated me. (Also), my dad worked very hard with me. 

What do you love most about basketball as a sport?
I like winning; I don’t like losing. 

What has basketball taught you not only on the court but also outside of it?
It’s taught me to stay positive. It may have taught me that whatever good I am in basketball, I’ve got to be like that outside of it and also be a role model off the court — just how I am on the court. 

Do you have a favorite drill to do at practice?
“Kentucky” drill. Two players are back on defense and another two players are on a side shooting a three-pointer. (The players on defense have to pass the ball to anyone shooting a three-pointer), they give a rebound, and it’s basically like a 3-on-2 on defense. I start on defense, (but) I’m on both sides. 

What do you think makes you a unique player on the basketball court?
Defense, talking, just knowing how to get your team involved. I don’t think it’s about scoring. I think if you can lead … and play your role. 

How do you believe you instill leadership in your team?
I’ll tell them where to go, and sometimes I correct them and talk to them and am an example for my team. 

Do you have a favorite NBA/WNBA player or team?
I am a big LeBron (James) fan. And I like Kyrie Irving. 

What’s your favorite hobby?
Outside of basketball, I like to watch Netflix and stuff. I like to go out sometimes with my friends, skating. 

What do you like to do on the weekends?
I usually train on the weekends, but I (also) usually get my rest on the weekends. I have practice Saturday mornings, then get a shower, go home, watch my shows, aggravate my mom. Sometimes, I am with my friends and then I have a workout in the mornings on Sundays. 

What are three things you would take with you to a deserted island?
My phone, my friends — you got to have your friends — and food. 

What’s your favorite movie?
“Love & Basketball.” It’s been my favorite movie since I was little. The girl (in the movie) pretty much grows up with boys, and that’s how I was. 

What TV series are you watching right now?
I am watching “BMF,” and just got done watching “Power.” I like action stuff. My favorite is “Money Heist.” 

What’s your favorite music?
I’m all over the place, it depends on my mood. 

Who is your favorite superhero?
I don’t have one, but my mom (Shuwanda), she’s my favorite. She makes everything happen.  

If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
I don’t know, I want to be invisible, so I can sneak up on people. 

What are three places you’d like to visit? Why?
Los Angeles is top, New York and probably Dubai. I want to vacation in Dubai, I always wanted to live in L.A.; I like GTA a lot. And then New York, it’s just really cool. 

What color would you say represents your personality?
Probably purple … it’s like a scary color. 

If you could be an animal for a day, which one would you be and why?
I’d be a lion, just to feel what it would be like to be on top. Or a whale — I’ve always hated whales.