By Rodd Baxley
Staff writer Fayetteville Observer
Village Christian’s DaiJa Turner, who earned the moniker “Triple-double DaiJa” in her first season with the Knights, has committed to Virginia Tech.
Turner announced her decision via Twitter on May 14.
“All the coaches that I have talked to during my recruiting process were awesome, but Virginia Tech was different,” Turner said.
“I got close with the coaches without effort. From the very beginning it felt like family and the right place for me. And I could see them in my future.”
The 6-foot-3 rising senior averaged 17.8 points, 21.6 rebounds and 11.7 blocks as a junior, according to MaxPreps.
She had 16 triple-doubles in 22 games for the Knights, and led the nation with 257 blocks while finishing second in the country in rebounding (476), according to MaxPreps.
The Hokies finished with a 21-9 record this past season, including an 11-7 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference, under fourth-year head coach Kenny Brooks.
“My conversations with the coaches have been great so far,” Turner said. “They have expressed how much they want to develop me as a player, knowing that I have not yet met my full potential.”
Turner grew up in Fayetteville but started her prep career in South Korea.
In her debut for the Knights, Turner scored 31 points, grabbed 24 rebounds and blocked 10 shots.
By the end of the year, the Knights advanced to the second round of the NCISAA 3-A playoffs.
She was named an all-state performer by The Associated Press on May 15.
“It truly does mean a lot,” Turner said of the honor. “All my hard work is paying off, but my work is not done. I am just getting started.”
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver. com or 910-486-3519.
Staff writer Fayetteville Observer
Village Christian’s DaiJa Turner, who earned the moniker “Triple-double DaiJa” in her first season with the Knights, has committed to Virginia Tech.
Turner announced her decision via Twitter on May 14.
“All the coaches that I have talked to during my recruiting process were awesome, but Virginia Tech was different,” Turner said.
“I got close with the coaches without effort. From the very beginning it felt like family and the right place for me. And I could see them in my future.”
The 6-foot-3 rising senior averaged 17.8 points, 21.6 rebounds and 11.7 blocks as a junior, according to MaxPreps.
She had 16 triple-doubles in 22 games for the Knights, and led the nation with 257 blocks while finishing second in the country in rebounding (476), according to MaxPreps.
The Hokies finished with a 21-9 record this past season, including an 11-7 mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference, under fourth-year head coach Kenny Brooks.
“My conversations with the coaches have been great so far,” Turner said. “They have expressed how much they want to develop me as a player, knowing that I have not yet met my full potential.”
Turner grew up in Fayetteville but started her prep career in South Korea.
In her debut for the Knights, Turner scored 31 points, grabbed 24 rebounds and blocked 10 shots.
By the end of the year, the Knights advanced to the second round of the NCISAA 3-A playoffs.
She was named an all-state performer by The Associated Press on May 15.
“It truly does mean a lot,” Turner said of the honor. “All my hard work is paying off, but my work is not done. I am just getting started.”
Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver. com or 910-486-3519.
