Greg Turcott, a longtime coach and teacher, is Coupeville High School’s new JV girls basketball coach.
This isn’t Greg Turcott’s first time in the gym.
Coupeville High School’s new JV girls basketball coach arrives with an impressive resume, having called the shots on the hardwood for numerous teams.
That includes high school stints at Archbishop Thomas Murphy, Kamiak, Bishop Blanchet, and South Whidbey, as well as leading Shoreline Community College when its men’s hoops squad twice led the nation in scoring.
Turcott, who lives in Coupeville and teaches social studies and PE at a middle school in the Edmonds district, replaces Megan Smith, who was promoted to CHS varsity coach in September.
The son of a coach, the newest Wolf round-ball sage has spent much of his life in gyms, and has yet to grow tired of the sport.
“I just love to coach basketball, and have wanted to coach here for a few years, so very honored to have the opportunity,” Turcott said.
“I’ve been around the game for a long time, so can bring some experience,” he added. “Also, I work with kids every day, so do my best to work well with students.”
As JV coach, Turcott wants to help younger players develop their skills, while planting the seeds for future growth.
“I think (my main goal) is for them to understand what a great game it is, and to hopefully develop a passion for playing,” he said.
“To help coach Smith any way I can, and to help our kids have fun playing hoops,” Turcott added. “We love living in Coupeville, and hope to help coach the kids here in the community!”
Turcott’s wife, Amy, teaches in Oak Harbor, and he has three daughters — 18-year-old Katie, 14-year-old Maddie, and Harper, who is a ball of fire as she approaches her third birthday.
“Harper will be running wild in the gym, I’m sure,” he said with a chuckle.
She’ll be able to join the pack, as CHS boys varsity coach Brad Sherman has four young sons who greatly enjoy claiming the court after games.
Turcott grew up in Montana, playing basketball, tennis, and baseball at Butte Central High School.
He then went on to play for standout Carroll College hoops teams led by his dad, Gary, who is inducted in that school’s hall of fame.
The elder Turcott coached for 40+ years, and while his son hasn’t matched that figure yet, Greg has had some memorable stops along the way.
He was tabbed as the Cascade Conference coach of the year following the 2009-2010 season, when he led Archbishop Murphy’s boys team to a school-record 17 straight wins, and an undefeated record in league play.
Greg Turcott was also an assistant coach for Bishop Blanchet when it knocked off Seattle Prep –and future NBA players Martel Webster and Spencer Hawes — during the 2004-2005 season.
While coaching in the college ranks, he helped build Shoreline Community College’s men’s squad into an offensive buzz saw which averaged 112 points a game.
He worked with former college and NBA star Bo Kimble, who singed the nets for 35 points a night in 1990 as the focal point of Loyola Marymount’s NCAA record-busting offense.
It’s fairly unlikely any Coupeville JV players will pour in buckets at that pace this season, but Turcott can adapt, and looks forward to new challenges.
“I’m very happy to be part of the athletic department and the coaching staff,” he said. “We really love Coupeville and look forward to the season.”
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