Turkalj joins the Augustana women's basketball staff following a pair of seasons playing for head coach Nate Vogel at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). While playing at TAMIU, she started in 13 games.
"Barbie will make an immediate, positive impact on our staff and team" said Vogel. "I'm excited to add another former player of mine to the staff. Barbie acted as a coach on the floor the last 2 years and already has extensive knowledge of what we're trying to accomplish on the floor as well as what we want our culture to look like. In addition to all the great things she'll help us with on the basketball side, my wife and I, as well as our kids, consider Barbie to be another family member. So excited to get her to Sioux Falls."
While at TAMIU, Turkalj was a member of the President's Honor roll every semester. She was also honored with the University's Community Leadership and Service Award. Prior to her time at TAMIU, Turkalj played 2 seasons at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M where she was First Team NJCAA All-Academic. The Zagreb, Croatia, native was a two-time member of the Croatian Junior Championship team.
Turkalj graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in Finance degree from Texas A&M International University in May of 2024. She'll be starting her Master's Degree in Business Administration from Augustana in August of 2024.
