Bristol, Tenn.—King College women’s volleyball coach Susie Toomey announced yesterday that she is stepping down after 22 highly successful seasons as head coach of the program. She will continue to serve as the Associate Athletic Director, Senior Women’s Administrator and Chair of the Physical Education Department.

Toomey’s decision to relinquish her coaching position was difficult, but she cited the opportunity to head the development of King’s new physical education major and the physical demands of coaching as reasons for the change.

“I’ve decided to step down as the Lady Tornado volleyball coach and let someone younger and wiser than me take over the program. However, I will certainly be at every match next year and remain the volleyball team’s number one fan,” Toomey said.

Under her direction, the Lady Tornado volleyball team has experienced tremendous success. Toomey has compiled a record of 749 wins and only 229 losses, making her the winningest coach of all time at King. On top of this amazing record, Toomey never had a losing season at King. Her long list of accomplishments includes 10 AAC conference championships, 24 Coach of the Year awards and three NAIA National Tournament appearances. She has also had the pleasure of coaching 45 All-Conference players, 10 NAIA All-Americans, and she recently celebrated her 700th win during the 2006 – 2007 season.

Athletics Director Dale Burns said that while her coaching presence on the volleyball court will be missed, he is thrilled about the experience that Toomey will bring to the athletic department in her expanded administrative role. “Her knowledge of the collegiate athletic process is one of our athletic department’s most valuable resources,” he said.

“Susie Toomey epitomizes what the word ‘coach’ is all about. She loves her athletes, loves the game of volleyball, and loves King College. She is highly respected by her peers, our administration, the faculty and staff, and especially by her players and their parents,” he continued.

Burns then stated that a search for Toomey’s replacement will begin immediately, and he is confident that the women’s volleyball program will continue to capitalize on the strong program she has established.

Tracy Parkinson, dean of the faculty at King, is also pleased that Toomey will be heading the physical education major. “Susie has greatly influenced the both the athletic and academic programs at King for more than two decades. She is a tremendous asset to the college and we are delighted that she will remain with us as a leading educator,” he said.

Dr. Gregory D. Jordan, King College president, praised Toomey’s countless contributions to the volleyball team during her coaching career. “The success that our women’s volleyball program has garnered over the years is a direct result of the talents and dedication of Susie Toomey,” he said. “Her leadership and commitment to excellence, both on and off the court, have provided an example for both our other coaches and students to follow,” he said.

Ask one of the many King College volleyball alums, many of which continue to attend matches in support of their coach and former team, and most would attest to the fact that Toomey’s success is not all in the numbers. “She has provided a model of how to build a program the right way. She has recruited quality people and created an environment where young women have grown spiritually. As long as there are coaches at King College, we all will be trying to meet the untouchable standard she has set,” said King College men’s soccer coach Matt Lavinder.

Toomey has served as mentor to many of the young coaches she has come in contact with over the years, including Michele Williams, King’s head women’s basketball coach. “I respect Susie more than she will ever know simply for being who she is. She is passionate about everything she does, whether that be coaching or teaching,” said Williams. As Toomey steps into her new role, she carries with her unforgettable memories.

“Twenty-two years ago I began a wonderful journey at King College. Because of the many young ladies that I have had the privilege of working with, that journey has been a fun and tremendously rewarding experience. All the young ladies who have been a part of this program through the years have blessed me beyond belief,” she said.

Located in Bristol, Tenn., King College is a private, comprehensive college founded in the Presbyterian tradition, offering more than 80 majors, minors, concentrations and pre-professional programs. For more information about King College, visit www.king.edu. King College does not discriminate against academically qualified students of any race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, age, or disability.