Warren Central’s Trey Banks has been an important figure in the background of the soccer program for the past three years.

He coached the girls’ junior varsity team, assisted with the varsity and helped mold Jamal Brinnon into a top-flight goalkeeper.

Along the way, he’s earned respect from all involved.

Now he’s moving into the spotlight.

Banks was given a promotion Thursday night when the Vicksburg Warren School District Board of Trustees approved his hiring as head coach of WC’s girls’ team. Banks will replace Janet McMaster, who resigned to spend more time with her family.

“I’m just thrilled at the opportunity,” Banks said. “I’ve been waiting for my opportunity and it just came at the right time, so I wanted to go for it.”

Since he’s worked with much of the roster since they were in seventh grade, his charges are familiar with his methods and personality and Banks feels the transition will be a smooth one.

“They know who I am and what I’m about,” Banks said. “They know what I expect out of them. I think they’d feel more comfortable than having to learn someone new.”

Banks played on Warren Central’s 2001 division title team before graduating in 2002. Before returning to Warren Central in 2007, he coached at Oxford High School as an assistant.

McMaster, who finished her four-year tenure at WC with a record of 23-24-11 and two playoff appearances, didn’t leave the cupboard bare. The Lady Vikes return all of their top goal scorers from last season, led by Mallory Reynolds (13 goals, six assists) and Lindsey Barfield (nine goals, five assists).

While the team lost both of its top defenders to graduation and has only one senior on next year’s roster, most of the underclassmen have been starting for several seasons already.

“We’ve got a really, really good group coming back,” Banks said. “With our leading scorers coming back, all our defense will need is just a little shaping up and we’ll be fine.”

In another coaching change at Warren Central, fast-pitch softball coach Dana McGivney will take over the slow-pitch team next season. She replaces Lucy Young, who is retiring after 37 years as a soccer and softball coach at the school.