10/13/2026
CASTLETON, VT.- Vermont State University Castleton Director of Athletics Tim Barrett has announced Tara King as the next head volleyball coach.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach King to Castleton,” said Barrett. “Throughout the search process, it became clear that Tara possesses the leadership, vision, and commitment to student-athlete success that align perfectly with our values. “We are confident that she will build upon our program's tradition and provide an outstanding experience for our women's volleyball student-athletes both on and off the court."
King comes to Castleton from Ascent Classical Academy in Grand Junction, Colorado where she was a physical education and French teacher. While there, she helped support the development of the school’s new volleyball program.
King was previously an assistant volleyball coach at Colorado Mesa University from 2016-2017 where she assisted with the daily operations including practice planning, match preparation, scouting, and team management. King was also club director and coach at Mesa Juniors Volleyball Club from 2014-2017 where she directed club volleyball operations, overseeing coaches, athletes, families, scheduling, communication, and tournament logistics.
“From my first conversations with the people at Castleton, I was drawn to the emphasis on relationships, culture, and building something meaningful together,” said King. “It felt like a place where people genuinely care about one another and share a vision for what a program can become. The decision to say yes felt incredibly right, and I’m excited to get started.”
King was a three-year captain for the Mavericks from 2006-2011. She was named the 2009 RMAC Setter of the Year and to the All-RMAC First Team and the 2010 RMAC Second Team. She played professionally in Denmark and Switzerland from 2011-2014.
King has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Colorado State University.
“I want to build a program where we compete fearlessly, challenge ourselves to keep getting better, and take care of each other along the way,” said King. “To me, winning is the celebration of all the work, trust, and relationships that go into building a great team. The goal is to create something special together, celebrate what we accomplish, and wake up the next day ready to do more.”
