Nov. 27, 2007

Pocatello, ID - Mike Welch, who served as the head women's volleyball coach at Idaho State University for the past eight years, has opted to step down at the conclusion of his contract on January 31, 2008.

"Before the season I decided I would step down as Head Coach at Idaho State University after honoring the terms of my contract," said Welch. "After sitting on that decision for a few months and making sure it was what I wanted to do, I notified my supervisors during a meeting and in writing back in October that January 31, 2008 would be my last day. I felt it was important to tell the team after the conclusion of the season, so it would not be a distraction to the players."

Idaho State ended their season on November 18 after a weekend split at the Montana schools. Idaho State struggled with a youthful team in 2007, going just 6-23 overall and 2-14 in the Big Sky Conference with nine underclassmen, although several promising freshmen ended up leading the way. Charlee Kinghorn, a freshman from Lewisville, Idaho, led the team in kills, and Colorado freshman Sarah Carson led the team in hitting percentage. A third freshman, Britta Bartschi out of St. Anthony, Idaho, averaged 2.252 kills per game, second-best to Kinghorn on the team. Seven of the 13 players on the team this past season were Idaho natives.

Welch ends his Idaho State career with a record of 88-144, and over his entire 17-year collegiate coaching career, Welch has a record of 267-264 with stops also at Morehead State (1991-93) and the University of North Florida (1994-99). In his eight years at Idaho State, Welch coached 15 all-conference players, including five first and second teamers and the 2004 Libero of the Year, and he also coached 37 Big Sky All-Academic picks. In his 17-year career, he coached two All-Americans, 17 All-Region picks, 43 All-Conference picks, and 77 Academic All-Conference honorees.

Said Welch on his time at ISU, "I have been honored to be the Head Volleyball Coach at Idaho State University the past eight years. I am proud of the accomplishments of our ISU volleyball student-athletes. In 2003, our 20-9 team had the best season win-loss percentage since 1989. We advanced to the Big Sky Tournament three straight years from 2003-2005, which was the first time since the 1989-1991 seasons. We had a 7-4 record over cross-state rival Boise State. We have also beaten many big conference opponents including Pac-10 Oregon twice and Washington State, Big XII Oklahoma, ACC Wake Forest, Fresno State twice, and UNLV twice."

Director of Athletics Paul Bubb said, "I have great respect for Mike Welch and the manner in which he has led our volleyball program. He leaves our program with a solid base to build on and with a great opportunity for a new coach to have an immediate impact," adding, "I plan to visit with the players, other members of the coaching staff and members of my senior staff before making an announcement about our plans and search process for a new head coach."

Welch's best season came in 2003, when he led ISU to a 20-9 mark and a third-place finish in the Big Sky Conference, ISU's first 20-win season since in 13 years, since Jon Potter led ISU to a 22-10 record in 1990. Welch's 88 wins are the third-most in school history.

While Welch will not be roaming the sidelines for ISU, he plans to remain in the Pocatello community. "An important factor in this decision is my family. I want to dedicate more time with my wife of 16 years and two amazing children. They have been so supportive of the demands of being a collegiate head coach. I feel it is now my turn to be there for them. I also have a great interest in pursuing some professional opportunities. We plan on continuing to be contributing members in our wonderful community with which my family is proud to call home."

Twice under Welch the Bengals were presented with the AVCA (American Volleyball Coaches Association) Team Academic Award twice, including last year for having team GPA's above 3.3. In 17 years as a collegiate head coach, Welch graduated 100 percent of all of his players who exhausted their eligibility, or are in line to do so.

"I have sadness in today's announcement as I truly care for my current team members. They are all such wonderful and sincere people. It has been a privilege to be a part of their collegiate pursuits," said Welch. "I will miss working with them on a daily basis. I believe in them. I will always be their biggest fan. They have the ability to achieve whatever they set their sights on. I thank them for such an amazing opportunity to share their passion with volleyball, their quest for academic achievement, and their commitment to be caring teammates. I have had an amazing opportunity to grow through sharing with so many remarkable people."