MARQUETTE — Northern Michigan University has announced the hiring of Sonia Basma as its head women’s soccer coach, the fifth in the program’s 21-year history.

Basma became head coach at NCAA Division III Nichols College in Dudley, Massachusetts, last December after spending a year there as an assistant coach. She worked to turn around a team that went 2-14-1 and losing by more than 2 1/2 goals per game to a team that played in nine one-goal games last fall. While only going 4-12-1, the team was outscored by just 13 goals total over its season.

“The search committee was impressed with Sonia’s work ethic, passion for soccer, playing background, dedication, knowledge of the game and plan for our program,” NMU Director of Athletics Forrest Karr said. “Sonia is an up-and-coming coach with all of the skills required to be successful at this level.

“We heard many positive things from coaches Sonia has played for and administrators she has worked with. They consistently mentioned Sonia’s leadership and her ability to build a competitive soccer culture.”

Basma starred as a player collegiately and semi-professionally. She played her final two years in college at American International College, graduating in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in business.

After leading the Northeast-10 Conference in goals with 19, assists with 11 and points with 49 in 2013, she was named an All-American and conference’s Player of the Year. Her Yellow Jackets team finished with a school-record 18 victories and made its first NCAA Final Four appearance.

“After meeting with everyone here at Northern Michigan, it was clear to me that this was the right fit,” Basma said. “I’m really thankful and excited to start piecing things together with this talented team.

“Being a Division II product myself makes getting back into this level that much more exciting, and I’m extremely grateful.”

Basma played for two years at Montgomery College, where she netted 27 goals in two seasons and earned her associate’s degree in 2013 while leading the Raptors to the 2011 national championship.

She was named a two-time All-American by both the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and National Junior College Athletic Association.

Basma played semi-pro for the Boston Aztecs in 2013, New England Mutiny in 2015 and the Boston Breakers Reserves in 2016. The Boston team, which won the New England Division with a 10-0-0 record, defeated the San Diego SeaLions, 3-0, in the Women’s Premier Soccer League championship.

Basma has coached at various levels in youth programs around the East Coast, including Soccer Shots in Silver Spring, Maryland; Everton America Soccer Club in Danbury, Connecticut; the Boston Breakers Youth Club in Lynn, Massachusetts; and Fortis FC in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Information compiled by Journal Sports Editor Steve Brownlee. His email address is sbrownlee@miningjournal.net.