Defiance is excited and pleased to announce the hiring of Allan King, Jr. as the Yellow Jackets head women's basketball coach, announced May 22. King will assume the role Aug. 1.
He replaces Jessica Morris, whose departure was not announced by the athletic department. The Yellow Jackets were 7-18 this past season under Morris, who finished 54-74 in five seasons as head coach. Defiance was 13-13 in 2016-17, the only non-losing record in her five-season stint.
King has spent the last six seasons at Wilmington, 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.
"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," athletic director Jodie Holava said. "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."
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 semifinals.
King also served as a part-time coach in 2010 for Capital following a stop at Pitt-Bradford where he served as the head coach from 2007-2009, compiling a 27-51 record.
"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 King.
A native of Ohio, King attended Bluffton where he obtained a degree in sport management before attending Heidelberg where he garnered a master's degree in education.