A Bit About Us
Working Towards a Better Tomorrow
Here at Elite Growth and Development (EGD), we see the value in everyone. EGD focuses on creating opportunities for women to develop both in and out of sports, by providing additional access and exposure, as athletes and leaders in our society. We utilize our passion for sports to connect athletes to opportunities that set the foundation for success in life.
We believe it is critical that the next generation has opportunities available to them, and that they are able to freely explore their ideas and passions, as they will take the torch and lead us into a new era.
Who is Elite Growth & Deveopment
Robert Turner grew up in a single mother household, where he learned first-hand the strength women possess. He was fortunate to grow up with two mothers, as his mother found a partner while he was still a young child. It was during this time he learned about caring for others, the importance of hard work, determination, perseverance and his love for sports. Sports was a major part of their family culture, and taught many valuable lessons throughout his life. Unfortunately, his biological mother passed away, and he was forced back into a single mother household. Again, Robert experienced the strength of his mother raising her non-biological son alone.
This experience was pivotal in Robert’s life, as it taught him selfness in a whole new form. These experiences are what lead to the creation of Elite Growth and Development. Robert wants to create opportunities for the next generation to grow, develop leadership skills and thrive both on and off the court. His understanding of inequities in our society and belief in the power of sports to level the playing field are the impetus for creating a space where young women basketball players can flourish.
The passion for creating a more inclusive, caring and overall better society is a trait he learned from his mothers. This passion is the guiding force for Elite Growth and Development and is an undertone in everything Robert does in life. Women have and continue to be the leaders and mentors in his life, and his concentration on young women athletes is just another way to continue his journey and give back in the process.
Robert attended Michigan State before graduating from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing. He earned a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California.
Robert was commissioned as a Naval Officer through the Officer Candidate School Program in Newport, Rhode Island in February 2008. Lieutenant Commander Robert Turner now serves as the Executive Officer for Navy Operational Support Center, Los Angeles.