Sean T. Frazier, associate vice president and director of Athletics, announced Thursday the hiring of Julie Colhoff as the new head coach of the women’s soccer team, the fifth in program history.

“We’re very excited to bring Julie to NIU to lead our women’s soccer program,” Frazier said, according to NIU Media Services. “Her energy, enthusiasm and knowledge of the game of soccer, as well as her experience as a champion student-athlete, set her apart during the search process.”

Colhoff spent the previous four seasons as an assistant coach at the University of Illinois-Chicago.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to join the NIU Huskie family,” Colhoff said, according to NIU Media Services. “I align very much with the athletic department’s clear mission of developing champions in the classroom, in competition and in life. It’s an honor to lead the NIU women’s soccer program, and I look forward to showcasing our relentless pursuit of growth as we strive to bring future MAC Championships home to NIU.”

Colhoff takes over the women’s soccer team that is coming off an 8-10-1 season overall and went 5-6 in MAC play this past season. She will begin her duties Monday.