Portage Township Schools will honor longtime educator, coach, and community leader Renee’ Turpa with the dedication of the Renee Turpa Gymnasium at Portage High School. The dedication ceremony will take place Friday, February 13, during halftime of the 7:00 p.m. boys basketball game at Portage High School.
Naming the gymnasium in Coach Turpa’s honor is a fitting tribute to her lasting legacy at Portage High School. Her influence as an educator, coach, and mentor has shaped generations of students and will continue to inspire all who walk through the doors and step onto the court.
The entire Portage Township community—including staff, students, families, alumni, and community partners—is invited to attend and join in celebrating Coach Turpa’s remarkable contributions.
Former players, colleagues, and fans are also invited to join us for a reception in honor of Coach Turpa at 6:00 p.m. that evening at the PHS South Cafeteria. Guests can enter through Door Q.
Coach Turpa taught special education at Portage High School for 32 years, authoring and instructing the Adaptive Physical Education curriculum. She also served as varsity girls basketball coach for 17 years and remains the winningest basketball coach in school history at Portage High School. Additionally, she coached cross country and track.
In 2021, Coach Turpa became the first female inducted into the National High School Basketball Coaches Association Court of Honor as a pioneer for girls basketball in Indiana. She currently serves in multiple leadership roles at the state and national levels while working at Valparaiso University.
This dedication celebrates a legacy defined by excellence, leadership, and service.