India Turner Manson
2025 Inductee
India Turner Manson stands as a towering figure in the annals of Ridgeland High School athletics, a three-sport phenom whose exceptional talent and unwavering dedication left an enduring legacy. Her dominance across softball, basketball, and track marks her as one of the most accomplished athletes ever to wear the black and silver.
The diamond is where India truly shone, particularly during her unforgettable senior year in 2003. That season, she achieved a rare trifecta, earning Player of the Year honors from the Catoosa County News Dream Team, the Walker County Messenger Dream Team, and the Fort Oglethorpe Press Dream Team. Her offensive prowess was astounding, evidenced by a remarkable .544 batting average, 15 doubles, 20 RBIs, and 42 runs scored. Opposing teams often resorted to extreme measures to contain her, walking her an incredible 47 times, with 31 of those being intentional. Yet, despite the intentional walks, India’s speed and base-running acumen were undeniable, as she successfully stole 34 bases in 39 attempts.
A four-time All-North Georgia Team selection, India twice earned the distinction of Best Offensive Player for North Georgia and was twice named MVP for the region. Capping off her high school achievements, she was a two-time All-State Team member and played a crucial role in leading the Ridgeland softball team to an impressive #8 ranking in the state of Georgia. India Turner Manson had multiple scholarship offers to play in college, and chose Chattanooga State to continue her softball career. In her two years with the Tigers, she had a .449 batting average, had 156 hits, 36 home runs, and had 146 RBIs.
Beyond her exploits on the softball field, India was a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. Over her high school career, she amassed over 1,200 points and 500 rebounds, showcasing a remarkable blend of scoring ability and rebounding tenacity. Her impressive career averages of 18.6 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game underscore her significant impact on both ends of the floor. As a four-time All-Region Team selection, she consistently stood out as one of the area’s premier players, culminating in a memorable 2003 State Tournament Final Four appearance for the Ridgeland basketball team.
Not content with excelling in two sports, India also left her mark as a four-year standout in track and field, specializing in the shot put and discus. Her dedication and strength culminated in her senior year, where she was crowned the Region Champion in the shot put and went on to achieve an impressive 4th place finish at the State Championships, further highlighting her exceptional athletic versatility.
India Turner Manson’s commitment to the Ridgeland community extends far beyond her own athletic achievements. For over a decade, she has coached basketball and softball in Walker County, mentoring countless young athletes and instilling in them the values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance that defined her own career. India's extraordinary achievements across three sports and her long-standing commitment to coaching and community involvement solidify her place as a true legend of Ridgeland athletics.
