Posted: May 16, 2019

Julia King Steps Down As Head Field Hockey Coach at Wellesley

King leaves Wellesley after eight seasons and with over 100 career victories (Frank Poulin).

WELLESLEY, Mass. -- Julia King, Head Field Hockey Coach and Associate Professor of the Practice in the department of Physical Education, Recreation, and Athletics at Wellesley College will step down at the end of the 2018-19 Academic Year. A nationwide search for King's replacement is already underway.

King, who has been at the helm of the Blue field hockey program since 2011, leaves with an overall record of 101-58 in eight seasons as Head Coach. From 2013-2015, King led Wellesley to three consecutive NCAA Tournament Elite Eight appearances and three consecutive appearances in the NEWMAC tournament championships game, winning NEWMAC Tournament titles in 2013 and 2014.

"I'm grateful for my time at Wellesley and the relationships I've been able to build with my colleagues, alums and student-athletes, " said King. "I'll always be rooting for the Blue, but I'm excited as I look to this next chapter and I know the time is right to take this step."

One of the most successful coaches in program history, she guided the Blue to a school-record 19 wins in 2014, eclipsing the mark of 18 established by her squad during the 2013 campaign. The 2013 and 2014 NEWMAC Coach of the Year, King was also recognized by the National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) as the Regional Coach of the Year in both 2013 and 2014. In addition, King has been a highly engaged and respected member of the Wellesley faculty having taught in our physical education curriculum and most recently served in the capacity of assistant director. She has been a faculty advisor to first-year students and served on several department and college-wide committees.

"Julia King is a valued member of our department and the college community," said Bridget Belgiovine, Director of Athletics and Chair of the PERA Department. "She has been an outstanding teacher-coach, role model, mentor and colleague. She has certainly left her mark on our Field Hockey program and department. Her energy, demeanor, work ethic and commitment to the overall experiences for our student-athletes will be missed. I am confident Julia will be successful in any endeavor she chooses and wish her all the best as she moves into this next phase of her career."

King came to Wellesley after two years as an assistant field hockey coach for Trinity College, helping to guide the Bantams to a 25-10 record and a trip to the NCAA Tournament Quarterfinals in 2009. A highly successful two-sport athlete at Bowdoin College, King played on two NCAA National Champion field hockey squads. She was a first-team All-America selection in both 2007 and 2008 and holds the Bowdoin record for career and single season assists.

Wellesley Athletics strives for excellence at the conference, regional, and national levels, while providing opportunities for students to achieve their potential and learn the values of discipline, leadership, critical thinking, and responsibility to oneself and others.