NILES — The Niles girls soccer team has a new coach.

Abel Fonseca, who spent the last two seasons as a volunteer assistant with the Niles boys soccer team, has been named to replace Katie Czirr, who resigned and returned to the Kalamazoo area.

“Abel has been an invaluable asset to our boys team and has great knowledge of the sport,” said Niles Athletic Director Jeff Upton. “I am eager to welcome him as the lead of our girls varsity soccer program. Over 35 girls came out to meet the new coach, which I think is a sign the athletes are excited about the direction we’re headed and ready to work hard this upcoming season.”

Fonseca is no stranger to southwest Michigan soccer players as he has helped develop youth soccer leagues in Dowagiac and Edwardsburg since 2009.

In 2015, he founded the Michiana Storm Soccer Club in Edwardsburg, which he continues to coach.

Fonseca is certified nationally as a soccer coach.

Czirr coached the Vikings for two years.