Honolulu—The University of Hawai'i soccer program announced the addition of Sonia Basma to its coaching staff for the 2020 season on Thursday.
 
"We conducted an extensive search for our new assistant coach, and I'm excited to welcome Coach Basma to paradise," said head coach Michele Nagamine. "Her personality, work ethic, and passion for soccer really came through during the interview process, and I'm confident that her experiences as a head coach at the Division II level will make us better immediately."
 
Basma spent the last three seasons at the helm of the Northern Michigan University women's soccer program and leading the Wildcats in 2019 to the most wins in a season since 2015. Under Basma, NMU made two Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) tournament appearances and had four All-GLIAC award winners.
 
Prior to her time with the Wildcats, Basma began her collegiate coaching career with Nichols College, an NCAA Division III institution in Dudley, Massachusetts. She served as head coach for women's soccer, as well as the men's and women's track and field teams.
 
A common thread for Basma over the years has been her team's focus on academic achievement in the classroom. While at NMU and Nichols, every team accumulated a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
 
Before her transition into coaching, Basma played collegiately at Montgomery College and later at American International College. While at Montgomery, she won a national championship and was named an NSCAA All-American twice. During her stint with American International, she helped lead them to a NCAA Division II final-four appearance and was named the Northeast -10 Conference Player of the Year in 2013.
 
She currently holds a bachelor's in business from American International, where she majored in general business while obtaining a minor in management.
 
"I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to be apart of the Rainbow Wahine Soccer family," said Basma. "From the moment I spoke with Michele (Nagamine) during the interview process, I felt an immediate connection. I'm excited to work tirelessly as we strive for excellence both on and off the field. I want to express my thanks to Michele, David Matlin, and the wonderful young women of the team who have been overwhelmingly welcoming to me. I'd also like to thank Jessica Fontana for her constant support throughout the years and Matthew Johnson, who has been a pivotal part of my growth as a coach. I'm eager to meet the team and get to work."