Defiance Selects Allan King, Jr. as Head Women's Basketball Coach

DEFIANCE,OHIO – Defiance College is excited and pleased to announce the hiring of Allan King, Jr. as the Yellow Jackets next Head Women's Basketball Coach, announced today. King will assume the role August 1.

"We are excited to welcome Allan to the Defiance College community. Allan has gained tremendous experience over his career that will help lead us to being a highly successful women's basketball program," said Athletic Director and Head Softball Coach Jodie Holava. "He has shown success in creating well rounded student-athletes both on the court and in the classroom with the mindset of educating the entire student."

King has spent the last six seasons at Wilmington College where he served as an Assistant Women's Basketball Coach working primarily with the defense. He helped establish the Quaker defense as one of the best in the Ohio Athletic Conference ranking them among the elite in rebound margin, field goal defense, and three-point pressure.

While at Wilmington, King also assisted in recruitment and strength and conditioning training, as well as game day prep, operations and skill camps. He was part of the 2007 Wilmington team that finished the season ranked 10th nationally, claiming both the OAC regular season and tournament titles. Prior to his stint at Wilmington, King served as the Head Basketball Coach at Russia High School.

During his tenure with Russia, he led the team to its first district title in 12 years, first All-Ohio Player in more than 10 years, and to the Regional Semi-Finals.

King also served as a part-time coach in 2010 for the Capital Crusaders following a stop at University of Pittsburgh Bradford where he served as the Head Coach from 2007-2009.

"I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Defiance College Women's Basketball Program and build upon the strong foundation that Defiance College has set for its Student-Athletes," said head coach Allan King, Jr. "I would like to thank President Dr. Richanne C. Mankey, Athletic Director Jodie Holava and Assistant Athletic Directors Derek Woodley and Kathleen Westfall for showing faith in me and affording me this great opportunity. I would also like to thank the Defiance College Community as well as the City of Defiance for such a warm welcome for both me and my family. I am excited to get started with the work of building a successful program where my Student-Athletes Know, Understand, Lead and Serve!"

A native of Ohio, King attended Bluffton University where he obtained a degree in Sport Management before attending the University of Heidelberg where he garnered a Master of Arts degree in Education.