Kyle Turnham, head girls basketball coach at Shelbyville Central High School, has announced today that he will be stepping down effective immediately. Turnham took over the program at the start of the 2021-22 season.
“I was brought here to rebuild this once-proud program and restore credibility. We accomplished that goal,” said Turnham. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done. We’ve substantially improved the culture of the program 180° from the one we inherited. We just produced the 1st winning record at Shelbyville since 2017-18 and the 1st region win since 2016-17 as well.”
“We will always be grateful for the experience and expertise Coach Turnham brought to the Eaglette program,” commented Superintendent of Schools Dr. Tammy Garrett. “I’m proud of the accomplishments of this coach and his team. Also, as a key organizer of our elementary basketball league, his legacy will be felt for years to come.”
When asked about his experience serving in Bedford County Schools, Turnham replied, “I’m indebted to Dr. Tammy Garrett for her support over the years; I couldn’t ask for a better superintendent. I’m very appreciative of the support I’ve gotten from Principal Charlie Pope and School Board Chairman Michael Cook as well. I am beyond appreciative to Rick Insell and his family for their belief in me and their support of me.”
SCHS Principal Charlie Pope stated that Turnham guided the team this year to their best record in almost a decade and also a second-round region tournament win.
“To say I’m saddened is an understatement,” said Pope. “Coach Turnham has worked tirelessly to resurrect the Golden Eaglette basketball program and has put it back on solid ground. I thank him for his contributions to his assistant coaches and especially to the athletes who have played under him for the past three seasons.”
Pope added that Turnham adhered to a motto that aided in putting the program on solid footing. “’Leave it better than you found it.’ That’s exactly what Coach Turnham did.”
“Last but certainly not least,” said Turnham, “I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my players, my seniors, and juniors in particular, who have been with me for the duration, and to my assistant coaches Marla Agee and Alexis Whittington, for their outstanding contributions. They will all always hold a special place in my heart.”
