SILVER CITY, N.M. – Western New Mexico University's Head Football Coach Billy Hickman has announced the hiring Lee Pronschinske as the Mustangs Defensive Coordinator.
"Lee is an incredibly bright defensive mind," said Hickman. "I had an awareness of Lee from his time at NDSU, and after getting to know him, I am thrilled to get him down to Silver City."
Coach Lee Pronschinske joined the Minot State football staff in January of 2022 as the Beavers defensive coordinator. He was later named Interim Head Coach for eight weeks before accepting the defensive coordinator position at WNMU.
"I am extremely grateful to be joining Coach Hickman's staff and the community of Silver City," said Pronschinske. "I am looking forward to continuing to raise the standard of excellence for Western New Mexico University Football. I would also like to thank Dr. Shepard and Scott Noble for this opportunity."
At MSU, Pronschinske coached two All-Conference Players, Second-Team Linebacker Isaiah Bigby and Second-Team Defensive Back Knylen Miller-Levi. Miller-Levi was also named to the AFCA Second-Team All-American.
"I am excited to get to work with the guys and start building upon our powerful brand of defense," said Pronschinscke. "There will be three non-negotiables when it comes to playing for Code Gold; play hard, play fast, and play together."
Before Minot State, Pronschinske spent the previous two seasons as the defensive quality control coach for the North Dakota State Bison who won the 2022 FCS National Championship. On the field, he was an assistant linebackers and defensive backs coach. He was also involved in all aspects of defensive game-planning, served as the offensive coordinator for the scout team, and coordinated the scout team's special teams. He was trusted in doing all scouting reports, opponent breakdowns and assisted with recruiting.
He started his collegiate coaching career at Winona State as a tight ends, fullbacks, and safeties assistant coach. He was also serving as an assistant coach on special teams and was the Warriors video coordinator.
Pronschinske moved on to NCAA Division II Emporia State in 2019 and spent one season as defensive backs coach, an assistant coach for special teams, and the Hornets video coordinator. In 2020, he served as a defensive backs coach at Northern State, but was canceled due to COVID.
Native of Arcadia, Wis., Pronschinske played safety and linebacker at Winona State where he earned NSIC All-Academic honors. He went on to earn his bachelor's degree in Individualized Studies.
This announcement is presented by First American Bank. First American Bank is a proud supporter of WNMU Athletics!
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Western New Mexico University is a member of the NCAA Division II, and the Lone Star Conference (LSC). For additional information regarding Mustang Athletics, visit www.wnmumustangs.com; visit wnmu.edu for more information about Western New Mexico University. Follow the Mustangs on social media: @WNMUathletics (Twitter, TikTok & Instagram).
