This story was written by NMU Sports Information

MARQUETTE---Sonia Basma was announced as the fifth head coach in the 21-season history of the Northern Michigan women's soccer program Friday afternoon.
 

"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," said Director of Athletics Forrest Karr. "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 was elevated to Nichols College's head coach in December 2015 after spending her first season in Dudley, Mass. as an assistant coach. She began the process of turning around a team that went 2-14-1, losing by an average of 2.71 goals per game and by as many as six, this past campaign. In 2016, the Bison played in nine one-goal games.

Before embarking on her coaching career, Basma had tremendous success as a player at both the collegiate and semi-professional levels.

She spent the final two years of her collegiate playing career at American International College, where she graduated in 2015 with a bachelor's degree in Business.

After leading the Northeast-10 Conference in goals (19), assists (11) and points (49) in 2013, Basma was tabbed as an All-American and the conference's Player of the Year. That season, the Yellow Jackets finished with a school-record 18 victories and made their 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. I would like to thank Forrest Karr and Bridget Berube, who have been very welcoming, and the entire search committee."

"I would also like to thank my coaches at American International College and Nichols College for helping me grow as a coach. Being a Division II product myself makes getting back into this level that much more exciting, and I'm extremely grateful."

Basma transferred to American International College from Montgomery College, where she netted 27 goals in two seasons and earned her associate's degree in 2013. A two-time NSCAA and NJCAA All-American, she led the Raptors to the 2011 National Championship.

Basma played semi-professional soccer for the Boston Aztecs (2013), the New England Mutiny (2015) and the Boston Breakers Reserves (2016). The Boston Breakers Reserves, who 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 National Championship.

Basma has coached at various levels in youth programs throughout the East Coast, including Soccer Shots in Silver Spring, Md. (2011-2013), Everton America Soccer Club in Danbury, Conn. (2014-15), the Boston Breakers Youth Club in Lynn, Mass. (2015) and Fortis FC in Worcester, Mass. (2016).