Jenny Nate has been named the new Niles volleyball coach, according to Vikings athletic director Jeff Upton.

In a release issued Monday evening, Upton said Nate was named the varsity volleyball coach Friday. Nate replaces Linda Martin, who resigned following the 2011 season.

A graduate of Niles High School, Nate was selected as the Ed Weede Athlete of the Year – a prestigious award acknowledging her as the best female athlete in her senior class.

Nate was a well-rounded athlete receiving Southwestern Athletic Conference All-league honorable mention in basketball and volleyball, as well as first team in softball. She was a scholar athlete for the Vikings and was a captain in all three sports she participated in during her high school career.

Nate went on to play volleyball and basketball at Lake Michigan College, where she was part of the NJCAA Academic All-American team for two years. Nate continued her education at Western Michigan University, graduating with a 4.0 GPA and majored in English secondary education.

Nate has taught English at Niles High School for nine years.

“This is an exciting time for Niles Athletics,” she said. “I look to lead our volleyball program to expect both positive results in the classroom and on the courts. Our student-athletes are exceptional, and, as a teacher and coach, I’m proud to be a part of their continued learning.

“Sports were an integral part of my high school and college careers and developed the character that I exemplify today. I will share my pride and dedication for this school and community with my players. Instilling hard work, responsibility, self-motivation, aggressiveness, competitiveness, teamwork and love and passion for the game will be my main goals for our team.

“Most of all, I want them to have fun while accomplishing these goals. I am looking forward to helping build positive relationships and devoting my time to creating an outstanding volleyball program that current and future players will feel privileged to be part of.”

Nate takes over for a squad which finished in the middle of the Big 16 Conference last year.

She brings five years of coaching experience into the program with girls softball, volleyball and basketball. Before her coaching debut, she officiated MHSAA volleyball for six years.

Nate resides in Niles with her three children.