CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Queens University of Charlotte Head Men's Lacrosse Coach Nik Colpitts has announced his first hire today, naming Joe Turner an assistant coach. Turner joins the Royals from Mars Hill University where he has served as head coach for two seasons.
 
"I am thrilled to welcome Joe to the Queens lacrosse family," Colpitts stated. "Having worked with Coach Turner previously, I have been able to see first-hand how his intelligence, passion and strong work ethic have positively impacted each program he has been a part of. He is the perfect person for this role.
 
Coach Turner has a history of leaving places better than when he arrived, and I have no doubt he will have the same impact at Queens. Today is a great day for our program. "
 
In two seasons with the Lions, Turner led the program to the most single-season wins in back-to-back seasons since 2016. He also aided in the development of two all-conference and one USILA All-South Region team members. Additionally, one of his former players is aimed at playing professionally in the National Lacrosse League.
 
"I am extremely excited and grateful to join Nik and the team at Queens," Turner commented. "I would like to thank Queens Director of Athletics Cherie Swarthout and the rest of the department for welcoming me to the Queen City. I have been blessed to be a part of many great programs and can't wait to get to work."
 
Prior to earning his first head coaching job at Mars Hill, Turner was the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Alabama Huntsville for one season. While with the Chargers, he helped lead the team to their first Peach Belt Conference tournament appearance, win, and championship appearance. He also developed five All-PBC recipients, three PBC All-Tournament honorees, and the 2021 PBC Freshman of the Year.
 
Turner served as the offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator at Wingate University for four seasons before taking the role in Huntsville. With Turner on staff, the Bulldogs won three consecutive SAC Championships and made two NCAA Championship appearances. The 2019 NCAA DII Assistant Coach of the Year nominee also developed five USILA All-Americans and 29 All-SAC recipients. 
 
Turner began his collegiate coaching career as the offensive assistant at the University of St. Thomas in Saint Paul, Minnesota where he saw the Tommies win two UMLC Championships in 2013 & 2014 and earn two MCLA National Tournament appearance. In 2013, the team won the MCLA DII National Championship, capping off an undefeated 17-0 campaign. Tuner then went on to spend two seasons at his alma mater, Dowling, as the offensive coordinator before heading to Wingate.
 
Turner graduated from Dowling in 2012 with a bachelor's degree in business management and leadership. During his senior season, he was named captain of the men's lacrosse team, leading the Golden Lions to an NCAA Championship Title.