CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – Sometimes you learn the best lessons from your siblings. This was the case for Turner Junkins. He was a sponge seeking to absorb whatever he could about the game of baseball from his brother.

“My older brother was always pushing me,” Junkins said. “He was always trying to get me to be the best that I can.”

While watching his brother play, a teammate of his caught Turner’s eye, immediately becoming someone he wanted to emulate. That teammate was John Rhodes. Rhodes went on to play collegiately at Kentucky before being selected in the third round by the Baltimore Orioles in the most recent MLB draft.

“I’ve always looked at him as a guy who’s just unbelievable on and off the field,” Junkins said.

Junkins now will have a collegiate career of his own. The high school junior catcher from Silverdale Baptist Academy in Chattanooga, Tennessee is committed to play at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).

He drew interest early on in his career and received recruiting pitches from the University of Kentucky and the University of Tennessee as a freshman.

“That’s when it kind of hit me,” Junkins said. “It was actually a reality and not just a dream.”

Junkins ultimately committed to MTSU in the summer going into his sophomore year.

“I thought it was the better fit,” Junkins said. “There’s more opportunity there than a huge power five school. It’s pretty close to home too.”

Junkins followed up his commitment with a stellar sophomore season. He had a .406 batting average, scored 47 runs and stole 23 bases for the Seahawks. This was enough to take home district player of the year award.

“I definitely wasn’t expecting it,” Junkins said about winning the award. “It was awesome to cherish it with all of my teammates and coaches.”

For the offseason, Junkins keeps his athleticism sharp on the gridiron, where he is the go-to target for his quarterback. Silverdale sits at 7-1 this season thanks to their explosive offense, who has only been held under 30 points once.

“I think playing football helps me with my mobility,” Junkins said. “It works out muscles you wouldn’t even think working out with baseball.”

When it is prime baseball season, there is no such thing as an off day for Junkins.

“I hit every single day and lift weights every single day,” Junkins said. “The past couple of years on Christmas day, me and my dad would still go and hit, no matter where it is or how cold it is outside.”

This dedication is why Junkins has become as well-rounded as he is, being able to hit all fields. His hitting ability combined with his arm strength should allow him to stay behind the plate long-term at the next level.

Junkins still has two more seasons before he heads to MTSU. While he remains in Chattanooga for the time being, he has aspirations of a state title and a Mr. Baseball award to add to his collection of accolades.

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