PORT TOWNSEND — Longtime assistant coach Steve Shively is taking over the Port Townsend boys soccer program this spring.

Shively, who has been the boys soccer assistant coach for six years, was selected to become head coach, athletic director Patrick Kane wrote in a news release Friday.

The school board needs to approve the hiring.

Shively also has coached in the Jefferson County youth soccer program. Kane had coached the boys soccer team the past three years.

Kane, who is stepping down because he is too busy as athletic director and assistant principal to continue coaching the team, said he feels good about Shively taking over.

“Steve’s son is a junior on the team, plus he knows a lot of the kids because he has been coaching youth soccer teams,” Kane said.

Shively most recently coached a 14U girls soccer team this past fall.

The Redskins have had a successful program, going 6-9-1 last year and losing in the Class 1A tri-district playoffs to Lynden Christian.

Port Townsend last went to state four years ago, the year before Kane took over the program, winning one game before losing in the quarterfinals.

The Redskins beat Aberdeen 2-0 before falling 3-1 to Quincy in the quarterfinals.

Port Townsend captured fourth place at state in 2005 and has a 4-5 state record.