Can you describe your feelings as a coach when the 2020 season was cancelled before it started and seeing it over not just for the entire team but the careers of your seniors, Erica, Liz, and Maddie?
 
Coach Turner: Despite having seen the handwriting on the wall I was a bit shocked when the season was cancelled. I've had individual races cancelled before and that is always sad but the thought of a season ending cancellation never really crossed my mind until this spring. On the larger level I understand and agree with the cancellation but on a personal level it remains difficult. It is difficult because I know the hard work and commitment all of our student-athletes put into the team. As difficult as it was for everyone on the team it was doubly difficult for the seniors; Maddie, Liz and Erica. They were not just great athletes but leaders as well, now they go forward without the closure the season provides. I am proud of how everyone has handled the cancellation and know that Maddie, Liz and Erica will forever be Bulldogs.
 
What made you decide to get into coaching?
 
Coach Turner: I have always coached in some fashion, mentoring younger athletes or position players in sports I have been involved in. As I gained more experience with rowing, I also attended the novice practices to help in whatever way the coaches needed. During my senior year, a former teammate invited me to help her coach a local high school team. While I outlasted her with the team that invitation led to finding joy in teaching the sport of rowing while hopefully imparting life lessons along the way.
 
How would you describe your coaching style and philosophy?
 
Coach Turner: My goal as a coach and leader is to try and bring out the best in all facets of the student-athletes I work with. They are much more than the sum of their results and deserve to work in a supportive atmosphere so they can attempt, fail and succeed in order to grow. They know that I am here to support them but will also let them know when there are opportunities for improvement both on and off the water.
 
Who or what has influenced you to become the coach you are today?
 
Coach Turner: I have been influenced by countless people to be the person I am today, and I intentionally say person as who I am as a person is mirrored in who I am as a coach. My parents taught me unconditional love and support. My sport coaches growing up taught me passion for sport. The rowing coaches I have been coached by and worked with taught and continue to teach me the technical part of rowing and running a team.
 
At Vassar College Judy Finerghty the Women's Lacrosse Coach and I shared an office. More than any one individual person she influenced who I am as a coach. Judy taught me that you can't just listen but that you need to hear what your athletes say. Every day I try to live up to the high standards Judy lived by.
 
As a group I have learned and evolved more from the student-athletes I have had the good luck to work with than any other group. They give me far more than I could ever give them in return. The student-athletes are why I continue to coach.
 
What are some similarities and differences between you and head coach Charlie DiSilvestro?
 
Coach Turner: I am fortunate in that with Coach DiSilvestro I have found someone who approaches the technical side of rowing in much the same way I do. We both care deeply about Drake Rowing and our student-athletes. As far as differences go, Coach DiSilvestro has a neat tidy desk and mine is decidedly less so. I am learning from him to remain focused on tasks to completion while also paying attention to the big picture.
 
What attracted you to Drake?
 
Coach Turner: A number of years ago I met Coach DiSilvestro and Drake rowing during spring training in Florida. At the time I came away impressed with the quality of student-athletes that represented Drake. The summer before I applied to come to Drake, my wife and I spent the majority of our summer vacation in Iowa and fell in love with the state. When I returned home from that vacation, I saw the job posting and eagerly applied.
 
During the interview process I got to better know Coach DiSilvestro and some of the student-athletes at the time. I left Des Moines know that Drake was filled with people I wanted to both work with and get to know better as well. The brand new Bright-Beckwith boathouse was certainly a great perk to coaching at Drake.
 
What adjustments have you made as a coach during the COVID-19 situation?
           
Coach Turner: Most of my adjustments have come in the way I communicate. I prefer in person communication when at all possible. Obviously with social distancing this has not been possible. While I have always used email and text, I have learned to be even more responsive through these means while retaining my sincerity. I feel I have always been approachable but work extra hard during these difficult times to make sure our student-athletes know I am there for them.
 
Your program has really embraced having fun on social media during this challenging time and posted great videos you've been a part of. How did this start and how does it reflect the personality of the program and the student-athletes and the coaches?
 
Coach Turner: Knowing that season was cut short abruptly I was able to create a few videos about the season that addressed a number of areas. These videos were posted to YouTube for the team to view but what you are seeing from the team is what I have the privilege to see every day. The team is fun loving, intelligent, driven to succeed and most importantly they love each other. The videos are a way for them to show their love and support of each other. All of the rowing coaches feel the same way and are happy to participate where possible.
 
What do you like to do in your free time?
 
Coach Turner: I enjoy spending time with my wife of 15 years in my free time. She is my best friend and the reason I wake up in the morning. Together we have been enjoying the many great things Des Moines and the Midwest has to offer. We can't wait to begin exploring again when the current crisis allows us to do so.
 
What do you enjoy most about being a part of the Drake rowing program?
 
Coach Turner: The people are by far the best part of Drake rowing. Whether it be support staff on campus, our great athletic trainer Emma Nye, the strength coaches, the equipment room staff, it is the people that make Drake University and Drake rowing great. The rowing coaching staff of Coach DiSilvestro and Coach Ryli Smith along with the many student-athletes on the team are what elevate Drake Rowing from great to truly unique and special. I can't thank them enough for all that they mean to me.