Bio

Darren Turpin Jr. is entering his third year as Head Coach of the Lassen College Women’s Basketball program, bringing with him a decade of experience coaching at both the high school and collegiate levels. Since arriving in Susanville, Coach Turpin has elevated the Cougar program with a strong blend of player development, academic excellence, and competitive success.

Prior to Lassen, he coached both the freshman and JV boys’ basketball teams at Arcata High School and served as an assistant coach for six years with the College of the Redwoods women’s basketball program.

During his tenure, the Cougars were crowned Golden Valley Conference Co-Champions in 2019-20 and reached the CCCAA North Region Semifinals in both 2019-20 and 2021-22. Under his leadership, 12 players have earned All-GVC honors, seven have been named CCCAA Academic All-State, and one earned CCCAA All-State recognition — reflecting his commitment to success both on the court and in the classroom.

Coach Turpin’s own playing career is distinguished and decorated. He was a part of two CIF Southern Section Division I Championship teams at Dominguez High School, as well as a Southern Regional Championship and State Runner-Up finish in 2008. At Navarro College, he helped lead his team to the NJCAA Final Four in 2009-10, earning the Junkyard Dawg Award for his toughness and work ethic. He continued his playing career at Cal Poly Humboldt, winning the CCAA Tournament Championship in 2011-12, earning a spot in the NCAA Division II National Tournament, and receiving the Axe Man of the Year Award in 2013.

Coach Turpin holds an Associate of Arts degree from Navarro College, a Bachelor’s in Business Administration from Cal Poly Humboldt, and a Master’s in Coaching & Sports Administration from Concordia University Irvine.

Off the court, he remains active in the community, previously serving on the Richmond School Crosswalk Crew and continuing to promote the values of leadership and service in his student-athletes.