On November 16, the College of Health and Human Services will host the 2023 Health and Human Services Hero Awards to recognize individuals who are making a transformative impact in their profession. We will highlight the eight honorees in our Heroes Blog Series.

hero23_pking_smName: Phil King
Occupation: Physical education teacher at the Reagan Educational Center in Clovis Unified School District; and sports director and head tennis coach of the Clovis East High School boys tennis program
Nominated By: Central California Children’s Institute

Having grown up on the Monterey peninsula with a father who was a physical education teacher and coach, Phil King was accustomed to being active. In fact, it was a way of life for him and his brother, both of whom played on competitive sports teams

In high school, King was one of the top ranked junior tennis players in the country. After an arduous recruitment process, he decided to journey inland and play for Fresno State, a decision he’s been grateful for ever since. 

“Fresno State is a special place,” King said. “I built an invaluable network during my time as a student-athlete there.” 

While juggling his athletic commitments, King was also equally committed to his academics, earning both his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology, as well as a master’s degree. He says earning his degrees from Fresno State ultimately gave him the foundation to succeed in his profession. 

Eventually, it was only natural for King to follow in his father’s coaching and teaching footsteps.  

King’s professional career started off soon after he graduated from Fresno State, when he was hired to coach tennis at Fresno High School. The following year, he was hired by Clovis West High School to coach boys and girls varsity tennis, where he received invaluable experience working alongside other coaching staff and where he also completed his student-teaching hours to get his teaching credential. 

When the Clovis East campus began to develop its athletic department, King was hired as a P.E. teacher and simultaneously as a basketball and tennis coach, a gig he considered to be a dream come true. He has worked there for the past 22 years and his words, enjoying every minute.

“No two days are ever the same in the world of physical education and coaching, and that’s what makes it fun and challenging,” King said. “I feel blessed that I get to come to work every day and share my passion for basketball and tennis with kids in a competitive setting and help them accomplish their goals.”

As a coach, King and his student-athletes have been greatly successful, often winning valley and conference championships. In 2021, the varsity boys tennis tennis team advanced to the state championships after defeating a rival team in the Tri-River Athletic Conference finals. In a nod to his commitment and passion for the sport, King offers tennis camps for middle and high school students each summer, and offers lessons outside of school hours for students wishing to elevate their game.

Throughout the years, King has stayed connected to Fresno State by mentoring student-teachers from the Department of Kinesiology’s physical education program. He says watching their growth as teachers over a semester is very rewarding. 

King has also been a longtime supporter of both the men’s and women’s tennis teams at Fresno State, and has made a point to show up for home games ever since he graduated. He also regularly participates in fundraising efforts for the teams. 

Even in his down time, physical activity still reigns. King’s son, Riley, is a varsity tennis player with dreams of competing in Division 1. Much of King’s time is spent coaching and supporting Riley in his dreams. The family loves to return to Monterey Bay and the Santa Cruz coastline, where Riley and King have been surfing together for years. King also enjoys golfing, walking their dogs with his wife Lori (a fellow Bulldog), and attending community events at the Fig Garden Swim and Racquet Club. 

The 2023 Health and Human Services Hero Awards, which celebrates heroes from each of the seven departments, as well as centers and institutes within our college, will be held virtually this year. For more information on the event, contact Beth Wilkinson at bwilkinson@csufresno.edu.