Friday Digs: Avery Turnage
8/14/2020 7:00:00 AM | Women's Volleyball
Head Coach Daniel Jones dipped down into Eastern Idaho to find freshman Avery Turnage, someone who he had his eye on for a couple of years.
Every Friday since the beginning of May, we've spotlighted a member of the Bobcat volleyball program. Now up is freshman Avery Turnage from Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Head Coach Daniel Jones dipped down into Eastern Idaho to find freshman Avery Turnage, someone who he had his eye on for a couple of years. Jones was pleased with the development of Turnage over the past two seasons and was elated to have her become a Bobcat. Jones was familiar with Turnage's high school coach Keisha Fisher, who was a former student-athlete at Utah when Jones worked on the Ute volleyball staff. Fisher helped Turnage to Player of the Year honors at Thunder Ridge, and Jones will look for the 6-1 middle blocker/outside hitter to continue her progress in the Blue and Gold.
CATCHING UP WITH AVERY:
1). Can you give us an update on your current status?
I'm currently all moved into the dorms at Yellowstone and have been here for about two weeks. I've been in Bozeman since early June and have spent the summer getting to know my teammates as well as the state. It has been a pretty hot summer, so my teammates and I have been having a lot of fun outdoors, like floating the Madison, playing volleyball at Bozeman beach, and other things. The world has been pretty crazy, I just try to keep a positive mindset through it all and take the time to appreciate everything in my life. By just taking life day by day and expecting things to change at random times has helped me and others get through the craziness.
2). Can you tell us about yourself, family, hometown and what you like to do outside of volleyball?
About my hometown, I'm from Idaho Falls, ID, which is a city that is pretty similar to Bozeman; not too big of a change for me. I'm the middle child between two brothers within my family of five. My brothers and I are super close, they are my best friends and biggest supporters. Both of my parents are incredible! The two of them have gone through a lot in the past and have emerged from those hard times successful. They have supported every decision that I have ever made and taught me valuable life lessons that have shaped who I am today. I also played basketball for many years, and I danced as well, however, volleyball has always been my absolute favorite. Sports and school have taken up the majority of my time throughout my life, but in the moments when I am not busy there is always something to do. I love to go hiking and spend time outdoors. I also love boating and spending time with friends and family. During the winter months I especially love snowboarding. Travel is also something that I have loved doing ever since I was young, and I hope that I will be able to travel even more in the future.
3). How has the transition into collegiate volleyball been going for you this summer?
The transition into collegiate volleyball has been great! Although it may take a toll on me mentally with all of the new concepts that I'm learning, my new teammates are always there supporting, and I know that I can trust them with anything. The upperclassmen have been great with introducing me to the ways of Bobcat volleyball and giving me helpful feedback. The coaches have also been incredible, pushing me every day and always supporting me. The game is a lot faster than what I was used to in high school, but with the great coaching staff and awesome teammates, it has been a great experience so far.
4). What are your goals and expectations for the team this year?
One of my goals for this season is to learn as much as I can and push myself out of my comfort zone more. I have been given everything I need to grow not only as an athlete, but also as a person. For the team, a goal of mine is to grow super close with the girls and coaches and create a strong bond within the group. A successful season is also on the list, winning the Big Sky championship and competing in the NCAA tournament!
HEAD COACH DANIEL JONES ON AVERY TURNAGE:
"We knew about Avery for a few years through her high school and club coaches in Idaho Falls who we have a strong relationship with. She has always stood out with her smooth athleticism and versatility, being able to play literally any position at the net. She has deceptive power and sees the game extremely well. The challenge for us as coaches is going to be finding her best position and then getting the best out of her. She comes from a great family and is a perfect fit for our culture."
TURNAGE'S PLAYING BIO:
HIGH SCHOOL:
Turnage recently led Thunder Ridge High School to the Idaho 5A state title...the Titans also captured the 5A District 5-6 championship...garnered Player of the Year accolades, as well as first-team all-conference kudos..as a senior, racked up 693 kills, 261 digs, 152 aces and 97 blocks leading her squad to a 34-14 overall mark...four-year letterwinner at Thunder Ridge, Turnage was a three-time High Country all-conference second-team pick...was a 2017 honorable mention all-state selection,...also participated in the USA Volleyball High Performance Women's Junior A1 National Training Program in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Head Coach Daniel Jones dipped down into Eastern Idaho to find freshman Avery Turnage, someone who he had his eye on for a couple of years. Jones was pleased with the development of Turnage over the past two seasons and was elated to have her become a Bobcat. Jones was familiar with Turnage's high school coach Keisha Fisher, who was a former student-athlete at Utah when Jones worked on the Ute volleyball staff. Fisher helped Turnage to Player of the Year honors at Thunder Ridge, and Jones will look for the 6-1 middle blocker/outside hitter to continue her progress in the Blue and Gold.
CATCHING UP WITH AVERY:
1). Can you give us an update on your current status?
I'm currently all moved into the dorms at Yellowstone and have been here for about two weeks. I've been in Bozeman since early June and have spent the summer getting to know my teammates as well as the state. It has been a pretty hot summer, so my teammates and I have been having a lot of fun outdoors, like floating the Madison, playing volleyball at Bozeman beach, and other things. The world has been pretty crazy, I just try to keep a positive mindset through it all and take the time to appreciate everything in my life. By just taking life day by day and expecting things to change at random times has helped me and others get through the craziness.
2). Can you tell us about yourself, family, hometown and what you like to do outside of volleyball?
About my hometown, I'm from Idaho Falls, ID, which is a city that is pretty similar to Bozeman; not too big of a change for me. I'm the middle child between two brothers within my family of five. My brothers and I are super close, they are my best friends and biggest supporters. Both of my parents are incredible! The two of them have gone through a lot in the past and have emerged from those hard times successful. They have supported every decision that I have ever made and taught me valuable life lessons that have shaped who I am today. I also played basketball for many years, and I danced as well, however, volleyball has always been my absolute favorite. Sports and school have taken up the majority of my time throughout my life, but in the moments when I am not busy there is always something to do. I love to go hiking and spend time outdoors. I also love boating and spending time with friends and family. During the winter months I especially love snowboarding. Travel is also something that I have loved doing ever since I was young, and I hope that I will be able to travel even more in the future.
3). How has the transition into collegiate volleyball been going for you this summer?
The transition into collegiate volleyball has been great! Although it may take a toll on me mentally with all of the new concepts that I'm learning, my new teammates are always there supporting, and I know that I can trust them with anything. The upperclassmen have been great with introducing me to the ways of Bobcat volleyball and giving me helpful feedback. The coaches have also been incredible, pushing me every day and always supporting me. The game is a lot faster than what I was used to in high school, but with the great coaching staff and awesome teammates, it has been a great experience so far.
4). What are your goals and expectations for the team this year?
One of my goals for this season is to learn as much as I can and push myself out of my comfort zone more. I have been given everything I need to grow not only as an athlete, but also as a person. For the team, a goal of mine is to grow super close with the girls and coaches and create a strong bond within the group. A successful season is also on the list, winning the Big Sky championship and competing in the NCAA tournament!
HEAD COACH DANIEL JONES ON AVERY TURNAGE:
"We knew about Avery for a few years through her high school and club coaches in Idaho Falls who we have a strong relationship with. She has always stood out with her smooth athleticism and versatility, being able to play literally any position at the net. She has deceptive power and sees the game extremely well. The challenge for us as coaches is going to be finding her best position and then getting the best out of her. She comes from a great family and is a perfect fit for our culture."
TURNAGE'S PLAYING BIO:
HIGH SCHOOL:
Turnage recently led Thunder Ridge High School to the Idaho 5A state title...the Titans also captured the 5A District 5-6 championship...garnered Player of the Year accolades, as well as first-team all-conference kudos..as a senior, racked up 693 kills, 261 digs, 152 aces and 97 blocks leading her squad to a 34-14 overall mark...four-year letterwinner at Thunder Ridge, Turnage was a three-time High Country all-conference second-team pick...was a 2017 honorable mention all-state selection,...also participated in the USA Volleyball High Performance Women's Junior A1 National Training Program in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Players Mentioned
MB/OH
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