College of the Redwoods head coach Micaela Harris says one of the things she likes most about freshman Grace Turgeon is her competitive nature.

And that competitiveness was on full display last week when Turgeon tied the state single-game record with six stolen bases in a game at Chabot, a performance that earned her California Community College Fastpitch Coaches’ Association Player of the Week honors.

The Redwoods women swept a doubleheader at Chabot, winning 21-17 and 14-5, and the freshmen outfielder played a key role in the sweep.

Turgeon stole an incredible nine bases on the day, including six in game one, which tied the state record.

The Ponderosa High graduate is settling in quickly to life at CR, and her record-setting performance is not the only highlight from her season so far.

“Playing for College of the Redwoods has been such a fun experience,” she said. “I have created such good friendships with my teammates, and their energy and commitment has pushed me towards where I am today.”

Turgeon gives Harris a reliable option in the lead-off spot.

She hit .700 (7-for-10) for the day in last week’s doubleheader, while scoring six runs and driving in six. 

But her ability at the plate is just a part of what she brings to the lineup.

“Grace is a really special type of player,” Haris said. “Our team has complete confidence in her. If the ball is hit to the outfield, we know Grace is going to track it down and give us 100 percent of her effort, and if she gets on base we feel like we’re going to score.”

Fondly known as “Turtle,” Turgeon is actually one of the fastest players on this year’s CR team and she is using that speed to the team’s advantage.

Her 17 stolen bases this year are a big reason Redwoods leads the state as a team with 72.

“One of the first times I watched her play was at a showcase tournament, and what stood out immediately was how competitive she was,” Harris said. “She ran the bases with an aggressiveness that you just don’t see very often.”

For Turgeon, who is hitting .339 on the season, the decision to join Harris and the Redwoods women is one that’s paying off in more ways than one.

And she’s enjoying life with her new teammates, as they get set to open conference play next week.

“My teammates have contributed to all of my successes, and I truly couldn’t have done it without them,” she said. “They are always pushing me, supporting me, and making sure we work together to be the best we can.”

And the Shingle Springs native believes the team is coming together nicely.

“What makes this team so special is that none of us have really played together before and we have such a strong bond on and off the field and share our passion for softball to give our best effort every game,” Turgeon said. 

“I’m most excited for conference play because it’s a chance to prove ourselves and show everyone how hard we have worked this year and show everyone who Redwoods is.”

Turgeon has epitomized that work ethic as much as anyone on the team.

“What I love about Grace is how coachable she is and how much she wants to learn,” said Harris, who added “She’s an incredible athlete but also an amazing teammate. She’s always encouraging the people around her and bringing great energy to the field.”

As for the state player of the week award, Turgeon is taking it all in her stride.

“Being named player of the week meant so much to me because it showed that my hard work and dedication has been paying off,” she said.

It’s also a big honor and some nice recognition for a program that was unable to field a team in 2025 but is back with a bang this year.

“She earned this honor and we as a staff are so proud of her,” Harris said.

The CR women, who are 7-8-1 on the preseason, will open conference play at Lassen on Friday of next week (March 20).