COEUR d'ALENE - Former Coeur d'Alene High soccer standout Andy Vredenburg is returning to coach at his alma mater.

Vredenburg, 32, has been named head coach of the Viking girls soccer team, athletic director Todd Gilkey announced.

"After I quit playing, I wanted to get back into coaching," Vredenburg said. "It's a huge honor to be back coaching at my alma mater."

Vredenburg replaces Tarragh Carr, who resigned after nine seasons to spend more time with her family. Under Carr, Coeur d'Alene won a state 5A championship in 2006.

"I am saddened to be losing Tarragh from the CHS coaching ranks," Gilkey said. "She brought a tremendous amount of energy and passion to the program. She deeply cared about her players and CHS."

Carr will continue teaching French at Coeur d'Alene High.

Vredenburg lettered all four years playing for coach John Smith at Coeur d'Alene High, graduating in 1999. He played outside midfielder for two seasons and moved to defense his last two years, earning all-league honors both seasons.

Vredenburg is in his sixth year as coach in the Coeur d'Alene Sting club. He coached boys until last spring, when he coached the under-17 and U18 girls teams. This spring, he is coaching a U14 girls squad.

Vredenburg was an assistant for the Coeur d'Alene High boys under head coach Jeff Lake the past three seasons.

Vredenburg is the oldest of three Vredenburg brothers to play at Coeur d'Alene High.

"I like a lot of possession ball, but it's all about heart and hard work," he said. "And hopefully, our hard work shows in our results."

A meeting for current and potential Coeur d'Alene High girls players is scheduled for April 23 at 6 p.m. in the school commons.