Passing the Torch: Gonzaga Looks to Replace a Legend
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The gym was quiet. No sneakers squeaking. No crowd roaring. Just the echo of decades of memories folding into boxes.
After 21 seasons leading Gonzaga College High School’s basketball program, Steve Turner is stepping away from the Eagles and into a new challenge: head coach at national powerhouse Montverde Academy in Florida. For Turner, the opportunity was simply too big to pass up.
“It was a chance to put my hands on something special,” Turner said. “To coach and compete at this unbelievable level, with resources to recruit players from all over the world. That kind of opportunity doesn’t come around often.”
Montverde is not just any prep school. The Florida-based academy is synonymous with elite basketball. Its alumni list reads like an NBA all-star roster: Cade Cunningham, Scottie Barnes, RJ Barrett, Ben Simmons, and D’Angelo Russell — just to name a few. With its national schedule, world-class facilities, and a pipeline to the college and pro ranks, Montverde is arguably the top prep basketball program in the world.
Still, it wasn’t an easy decision.
“I’m going to miss the Gonzaga community — no question,” Turner said. “After 26 years, it’s been half my life. That place shaped me into who I am today.”
Gonzaga Athletic Director Terry Kernan, a 2008 Gonzaga graduate who played for Turner and coached under him for over a decade said it was an honor to work for and alongside his coach.
“Over his illustrious career, Coach Turner not only led his team to 497 victories on the basketball court, but also achieved countless wins off of it, through his dedication to shaping young men of character and integrity. He mentored student-athletes into high achievers both academically and athletically, which is evident by the countless number of his players who advanced to prestigious academic institutions.”
A Legacy Built on Mentorship and Service
While Turner’s departure represents a major shift in Gonzaga basketball, it is part of a larger transition at the school that began with the untimely passing of long-time athletic director Joe Reyda in June 2023. Reyda, a beloved figure who guided Gonzaga’s athletic programs for decades, was known for his unwavering commitment to student-athletes and his tireless leadership.
With a heavy heart, Kernan succeeded Reyda in January 2024 as athletic director after learning much of what he knew about leadership and dedication from his predecessor, mentor and friend. Kernan is now navigating the school’s latest transition with the same focus on integrity and support that Reyda embodied.
“I learned so much from Coach Reyda, and I strive every day to make him proud,” Kernan said. “Joe was the kind of leader who was always there. He showed up to every sporting event at every level, and he was always the first one in and the last one out for work. I try to emulate that same dedication and lead as he led. I want all my coaches to feel supported and to know that their programs have every opportunity to be successful.”
For Turner, Kernan was always the right person to take the reins.
“I knew what he could bring to the table,” Turner said. “I see a lot of who Joe Reyda was in Terry as a man of character that could lead the athletic charge at Gonzaga.”
Together, Kernan and Turner were a powerful duo, combining Turner’s coaching prowess with Kernan’s organizational skill and passion for the school’s mission. It’s a partnership that now extends to a new chapter for both.
Building a Brotherhood
Steve Turner’s tenure at Gonzaga began in 1999 as an assistant under Dick Myers. He became head coach in 2004 and quickly established the Eagles as a perennial powerhouse in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC), often called the toughest high school basketball league in the country.
Under Turner’s leadership, Gonzaga claimed five WCAC championships, captured over 490 wins, and produced a steady flow of Division I and professional players. But numbers alone don’t tell the story. Turner’s greatest legacy may be the culture he built: one rooted in discipline, accountability, brotherhood, and faith.
“The mark of a true leader is often reflected in those they inspire,” Kernan said. “In Coach Turner’s case, the evidence is clear, as numerous former players have returned to join his coaching staff, which is a testament to the deep respect and admiration they hold for him.”
Kernan would know. He played for Turner, won a WCAC title in 2008, then returned to coach freshman and JV teams under Turner for more than a decade. When Kernan stepped into the leadership role at his alma mater in 2024, he leaned heavily on Turner’s support.
“As a coach, he was an incredible mentor and leader,” Kernan said. “Our relationship was far from a typical boss-to-employee dynamic, as we were a team. We supported each other and collaborated to ensure the program and its players had every opportunity to succeed, both on and off the court. Coach Turner’s impact on my life and career is immeasurable, and I am incredibly grateful for his mentorship, friendship, and unwavering support.”
Earlier this school year, Turner was presented with Gonzaga’s highest honor — the President’s Eagle Award — during the annual Charter Day ceremony. The award, given by Fr. Joseph Lingan, S.J., recognized Turner’s lifelong commitment to the school’s Jesuit values and his profound impact on generations of student-athletes. For many in the Gonzaga community, it felt like the perfect tribute.
A Legacy of Talent
Turner’s resume is filled with titles, accolades and a long list of players who thrived under his guidance.
Among the most prominent is Kris Jenkins, the Villanova hero who hit one of the most iconic shots in NCAA Tournament history — a buzzer-beating three-pointer to win the 2016 national championship. Jenkins’ younger brother, Nate Britt, also starred for Gonzaga before going on to win a national title with North Carolina the following year.
Other Turner standouts include Chris Lykes (University of Miami, Arkansas), Prentiss Hubb (Notre Dame), Terrance Williams II (Michigan), Nigel Johnson (Kansas State, Rutgers, Virginia), Bryant Crawford (Wake Forest), Myles Dread (Penn State), Chuck and Charles Harris (Butler/SMU and George Washington, respectively), and Tyler Thornton (Duke).
Then there’s Cam Johnson and Max Kenyi, key members of the 2008 championship team — part of a group Turner still calls “one of the most coachable and determined teams I’ve ever had.”
Beyond basketball, countless players left Gonzaga prepared for the next level because of Turner’s focus on personal growth.
“I’ve been blessed to use the game as a vehicle. Those who took full advantage of it got a great education, played at a high level, and had a platform to showcase their talent — and that helped open doors,” he said, reminding that life goes on after “the ball stops bouncing at some point.”
Old School in a New Era
Turner’s coaching philosophy is increasingly rare in a basketball world where flash sometimes outweighs fundamentals, and short-term gain often trumps long-term growth.
“It’s becoming ugly at all levels,” Turner said. “So many people want something for nothing instead of earning it.”
He contrasted that mindset with players like New York Knicks star Josh Hart, the local D.C. native who played at Sidwell Friends and won a national title with Jenkins at Villanova.
“Every penny Josh is getting, he earned it,” Turner said, citing that Hart was brought up to play the game the right way. “It’s in the water here in the DMV. A lot of that comes from strong coaching — youth leagues, AAU, high school. When that structure is right, you see it in how kids play.”
That structure, Turner added, has also fueled the rise of another force in basketball: the women’s game.
Over the past few years, women’s basketball has exploded in popularity. NCAA Tournament viewership shattered records in 2023 and 2024. Stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Paige Bueckers have become household names. WNBA arenas are selling out. Major media networks are finally giving the game the spotlight it deserves.
“There’s no doubt — the girls’ game is really up there, and in some ways, it could be even higher than the boys’,” Turner said. “People have done an incredible job developing talent on the women’s side. You see the skill level, the IQ, the passion — it’s all there.”
Passing the Torch
Back in D.C., Gonzaga now faces the challenge of replacing a figure who has been synonymous with the program for over two decades.
“We are looking for a great basketball coach who can fit and understand the mission of the school, and develop young men on and off the court,” said Kernan.
For Turner, leaving Gonzaga isn’t about walking away. It’s about honoring what the school gave him — and carrying that forward.
“No matter where I go, Gonzaga will always be home base. I’m proud of what we accomplished, but more than that, I’m proud of the lives we impacted,” he said. “I’m gonna miss the community, miss the kids. I’ve had a chance to be part of their lives – It’s not easy to let go,” he said.
But as he steps into the glare of the national spotlight at Montverde, he’s not chasing wins. He’s chasing purpose — the same mission that’s driven him from day one.
“To me, this is about continuing to impact kids’ lives through sports,” Turner said. “That’s what it’s always been about. And that’s what it’ll always be about.”
Recommended for you
You must be logged in to post a comment Login
