The Coupeville High School softball team will have a new co-coach tandem this spring, but working together is nothing new for the pair — they’ve been married for over 25 years.

David King, who coaches the girls basketball team, and his assistant hoop coach, wife Amy, will join forces to led the Coupeville fastball team this spring.

The Wolves adopted the co-coach format last year when David King and Jackie Calkins shared the duties.

Jackie Calkins stepped down and King’s life partner stepped up to help.

Amy King was a volunteer assistant in 2012.

David King was reluctant at first to continue with the softball program after handling the basketball duties and the “various things that take away from being able to coach.”

He talked it over with Amy, players and parents and decided to return, saying, “Last year some good things happened and the returning group is hard working and is willing to put in the time to help us get better.”

Amy King, too, was reluctant. She not only coached basketball with David, but coached middle school volleyball earlier in the year.

She called coaching “very time-consuming and a huge commitment,” adding that the “unforeseen political-type circumstances really wear on a person.”

Amy King added, “We are doing it for the girls. (They) are a good returning group.”

The Kings decided to be co-coaches because work commitments in Oak Harbor make it difficult for each to be present all the time, particularly at the beginning of practice.

David King said, “We are both very lucky that the company we work for allows us to give back to the community and allows us to coach.”

Having worked together for many years, the pair share similar coaching philosophies.

They will divide responsibilities as appropriate and both will work on developing skills.

Amy King said, “David is great at strategizing and I’ll be there as a sounding board and support. I’ll take on the responsibilities of the scorebook and help with the behind the scenes (duties).”

So, can a married couple co-exist in the coaching box?

David King said, “I am the lucky one!” He added that they work well together and are “able to talk things through” because “the communication is very open.”

Amy King chipped in: “And since I’ve been brainwashed to believe David is always right, it’s really not a problem.”

On the field, the Kings will emphasize defense and its key component, pitching.

Off the field, the Kings will “teach the importance of classwork, sportsmanship and being a good representative for the school and community.”

They see a bright future for the Wolves, noting the many good things that happened last season and the potential to build even more.

The players have a great knowledge of the game, according to the Kings, and have played and worked hard in the off season to develop their skills.

David King said, “We do have a strong nucleus of players that are willing to put in the time and effort to make this a good season. They know our coaching style and understand what we are trying to accomplish as a team.”