Montverde Academy's powerhouse boys hoops team hires new coach

National powerhouse boys high school basketball program, Montverde Academy, has announced the hiring of Steve Turner as its next coach. Turner comes to the Central Florida school after spending 20 years as the head coach, 26 years overall, of Gonzaga College High in Washington, D.C., where he amassed a record of 497-176 and won four WCAC championships and two DCSAA championships.

"I am extremely excited to welcome Coach Turner and his wife Leah as we begin this new chapter in Montverde Academy boys basketball," said Montverde Head of School Jon Hopman. "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 make him a perfect fit for Montverde Academy. Coach Turner is what we call a transformational coach and mentor — one (who) will have a positive influence on his players, our Center for Basketball Development and the broader school community. With the full support of Montverde Academy and our partnership with Nike EYBL Scholastic, there is no doubt that he will continue the legacy of success that Montverde Academy is known for around the world."

Over his tenure at Gonzaga, Turner was named coach of the year by various organizations a total of 16 times, including being named the National Gatorade Coach of the Year in 2016. Along with Turner's time at Gonzaga, he also served in various roles with USA Basketball, such as head coach for the USA Men's Nike Hoop Summit Team.

"Steve Turner is not only a great coach but a great person as well," said Don Showalter, USA Basketball's director of coach development, youth division. "He is a perfect fit for Montverde Academy. Steve has coached with us at USA Basketball and has proven to be very successful with elite players both at Gonzaga and USA Basketball. He will have an immediate impact and will be the perfect person to carry on the fine tradition at Montverde Academy.

Turner will be taking over for legendary Eagles coach Kevin Boyle, who left the MVA to take over the program at SPIRE Academy in Ohio. Boyle's 15-year run at Montverde was unprecedented, seeing his teams win eight national championships with countless future NBA players, including All-Stars Cade Cunningham, Ben Simmons, Scottie Barnes and D'Angelo Russell.