There’s a new face on the sidelines at Bellevue High School, though he’s hardly new to the neighborhood. Warren King, longtime Bellevue resident, father of five, business owner, and former state champion athlete, has been named the new head coach of the Bellevue High School Boys Varsity Basketball Team. For Warren, this isn’t just a coaching job. It’s the realization of a lifelong dream built on decades of passion for the game, deep community ties, and a commitment to raising strong, grounded student-athletes. 

King’s connection to basketball started early. Raised in South King County, Coach King played for Kentridge High School, where he and his team took the 1992 state championship title during his senior year.  He went on to attend Seattle Pacific University on a basketball scholarship, balancing the full demands of being a student-athlete with academic studies in business and athletic administration. He eventually earned a master’s degree in athletic administration, knowing that coaching and mentorship were always going to play a role in his life. After college, King spent time on the coaching staff at Seattle Pacific. As his own family began to grow, he knew he needed a career that offered more flexibility that would allow him to be fully present as a parent. He pivoted into real estate and found his stride. Today, he spends his time as a real estate investor, having worked with properties in several counties across Washington. 

Over the years, King has coached youth teams, assisted at Bellevue Christian and Woodinville High Schools, and spent countless evenings in local gyms supporting his kids. His five children have grown up with a dad who showed up for their games, their concerts, their lives. Two of those kids currently attend Bellevue High School, giving Coach King a unique perspective on the team and the school culture. “I’ve known many of these boys since they were very young,” he says. “To now have the opportunity to coach them at the varsity level and to be part of their development both on and off the court is really special.” 

Those who know King describe him as focused, calm, and grounded. He brings structure and discipline, but he also brings joy for the game. He knows how to motivate without belittling, how to teach without preaching. His coaching philosophy centers on fundamentals, consistency, and character, with plenty of hard work and heart in the mix. “Winning is great,” he says. “But helping kids become confident, resilient, team-oriented people is the real reward.” 

When he’s not coaching or closing real estate deals, Warren, his wife, Jessica, and not only their kids but many extras, can often be found in Desert Aire, their vacation home in Eastern Washington on the Columbia River. It’s their favorite place to recharge with swimming, golfing, boating, smores, cornhole, shooting hoops, and big family dinners all part of the routine. “It’s the only place everyone totally relaxes,” he says. “There’s no pressure, no clock. Just connection.” 

He also carves out time for his own fitness and stays sharp on the court himself. He’s a regular at Shoot360 in Kirkland, a state-of-the-art basketball training facility that blends advanced analytics with precision shooting. In fact, Coach King currently holds the #2 all-time top shooter score at the Kirkland location.  

With Coach King at the helm, the program feels poised for building both strength of character as well as strength on the court. His blend of leadership, humility, and hands-on experience is exactly what the school’s athletic department hoped for when looking to set the tone for the 2025 season. Coach King is ready. “I’m here to help these boys reach their potential and to remind them, every single day, that who they are off the court matters just as much as what they do on it.”  

Welcome to the Bellevue High School court, Coach King.