KALAMAZOO, Mich.- Western Michigan and first year head coach Stu Riddle have announced the hiring of Ben Pirmann as assistant men's soccer coach.
Pirmann will be involved in all facets of the Bronco program, with his primary responsibilities at Western Michigan including the areas of compliance, travel, video analysis, camps and scouting.
"I am very excited about joining the Western Michigan soccer coaching staff and working alongside head coach Stu Riddle," Pirmann said. "I would also like to thank the university for giving me the opportunity to join the Bronco family. It will be a great opportunity to help Stu rebuild this program and put WMU back atop of the MAC."
A four-year letterwinner and three-year starter at Michigan State, Pirmann concluded his career with the Spartans this past fall, leading MSU to a Big Ten Championship. Pirmann was also part of the Spartan squad that won the conference crown in 2004 and made an NCAA Tournament appearance in 2007.
"The addition of Ben to the coaching staff here at WMU is extremely pleasing," Riddle said. "He has had a great playing career at a top college program and has received excellent tutelage during his graduate assistant spell at Michigan State.
"He is keen and hungry to be successful and clearly demonstrated during the interview process that he is a real student of the game. Additionally, his knowledge of the Michigan youth soccer scene is second to none."
After sustaining a preseason injury in his senior year, Pirmann returned to Michigan State for a redshirt senior season in 2008. Earning a bachelor of arts in communication last May, he is currently concluding a master's degree at MSU in kinesiology with a concentration in coaching.
A midfielder, Pirmann amassed 13 assists and scored one goal during his career, leading MSU in assists in 2006. He was a three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection and was the Spartans' recipient of the Big Ten Sportsmanship award in 2008. Pirmann was also a member of the PDL organizations West Michigan Edge (2007-08) and Indiana Invaders (2005-06).
Pirmann has been a USSF licensed coach since 2006, and is scheduled to receive a National B license this spring. He worked as a student assistant coach at Michigan State in his year off due to injury and continued his duties following his final season. He has worked high school and youth camps at Michigan State and Notre Dame.
