Fayetteville State University Athletics

Inez Turner, has had an illustrious career as both an athlete and a coach. Her journey began at Barton Community College, where she earned   an impressive 16 National Junior College All-America honors and set multiple school records. She won the 1993 Division I NJCAA Championship in the 800m run with a record   time of 2:04.88, showcasing her exceptional talent early on.

 On the international stage, Turner represented Jamaica at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, competing in the 800m and the 4x400m relay. She won gold in the 800m at the   1994 Commonwealth Games and a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay at the 1997 World Championships. Her performances at the CARIFTA Games were equally impressive,   with multiple gold and silver medals from 1988 to 1991. Additionally, she earned gold, silver, and silver at the CAC Junior Championships. 

Transitioning to coaching in 2004, Turner had stints at New York Track Club and North Carolina A&T State University before becoming the head coach at Winston-Salem State University. There, she led her teams to nine conference titles and earned eight CIAA Coach of the Year awards. In 2017, Turner joined Fayetteville State University, where she transformed the athletic program into a powerhouse. Under her leadership, the women's cross country team won six consecutive CIAA titles, and the indoor track & field team captured multiple championships. Turner has led her programs to 23 CIAA Championship titles, each accompanied by a Coach of the Year accolade. 

Beyond her coaching achievements, Turner established the Inez Turner Foundation in 2012 to support disadvantaged students at Vere Technical High School. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise and Sports Science from Texas State University. Turner's journey from a decorated athlete to a distinguished coach highlights her dedication and impact on the world of track and field, leaving a lasting legacy both on and off the track.