Monday, February 8, 2016
by Saint Martin's Athletic Communications

LACEY, Wash. – After a nationwide search, Athletic Director Bob Grisham has announced that current Iona College head coach Jon Killingbeck will be the new head women's volleyball coach for Saint Martin's University.

"I am pleased to announce the hiring of Jonathan Killingbeck as our new full time volleyball coach," said Grisham. "What is exciting and set Jon apart from other applicants is his coaching experience at all levels and the fact he has been in the conference as an assistant so has familiarity with the quality and challenges of the GNAC is definitely a plus."

"Having spent the past five years as head coach at Iona a private DI he is familiar with the mission of a private Catholic university and the importance of the overall student-athlete experience," said Grisham. "He has built a competitive program at Iona and we are confident he has the ability to do that for us."

Killingbeck has spent the past five seasons with Iona College in New Rochelle, New York, where in his first season turned the program around to a 20-win season. He also set the school record for conference wins of 13, had four all-conference players and two all-rookie selections.

"I'd like to thank Athletic Director Bob Grisham, Dean of Students Melanie Richardson, the search committee and the players for this great opportunity," Killingbeck said. "I have been lucky to work with many amazing people at Iona College and they will always hold a special place in my heart.  But the opportunity to come home and grow this volleyball program to match the greatness that is Saint Martin's University, was not something I could pass up."

Before heading to Iona, Killingbeck spent the 2011 spring season at Columbia Basin College in Pasco, Wash., and before CBC spent one season as an assistant coach at Arizona Western College in Yuma (AWC), Arizona. He was responsible for assisting in all aspects of the program including recruiting, film editing, strength and conditioning and practice and game planning. Killingbeck joined the AWC staff after working as the lead assistant coach at Division III Whitman College in Walla Walla, Wash., where he assisted with recruiting efforts, film study, strength training, and practice organization.

Before his stint at Whitman, Killingbeck served as an assistant coach and director of volleyball operations at Seattle University where he assisted with recruiting, scouting, and video editing. While at SU, Killingbeck earned a master's degree in sports administration and leadership, graduating with honors in the summer of 2009.

Killingbeck began his coaching career while earning a Bachelor of Science in geology from Central Washington University (CWU). He served as a volunteer assistant coach for two seasons, helping with practice, winter and spring workouts, and video editing. While he was at CWU, the Wildcats reached the NCAA playoffs both seasons.

Killingbeck spent four years gaining additional experience as head coach of four different club organizations.