Interim label removed from EWU volleyball coach Michael King

Eastern Washington University has removed the interim label and promoted Michael King to head volleyball coach, the school announced Wednesday.

King was named interim head coach for the 2014 season after head coach Wade Benson was diagnosed with throat cancer. Benson returned this season but stepped down in mid September, citing fatigue from travel and demands of the job, and King was again named interim head coach.

King has directed the Eagles to an 8-2 Big Sky record and first place in the North Division. It’s the program’s best conference start in six seasons.

“We are excited to have Coach King take over the program on a permanent basis,” athletic director Bill Chaves said. “The team has really come together under his leadership, and the ability for us to maintain stability for the foreseeable future was a key consideration in making this decision at this time.”

King assisted at EWU in 1998-99 and in 2002. The Eagles went 77-16 in those three seasons, twice advancing to the NCAA tournament.

“I believe EWU can once again become a top-tier program and we are well on our way already with making this happen,” King said. “Eastern has so much to offer student-athletes and I believe talented recruits will see the opportunities available to them with our top-flight education, wonderful facilities and first-class support.”