After a nationwide search that spanned nearly two months, the University of Northwestern has found Tim Grosz’s successor. The legendary Men’s Basketball Coach stepped down on April 16th to pursue a Division I administrative opportunity, and will be replaced by one of his former players. Lance Westberg, a 2013 Northwestern alum, will be the seventh head coach in the program’s storied history.
Westberg returns to Northwestern after nine years as an assistant coach at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, spanning two stints (2014-19, 2022-26). While he was on staff, the Falcons produced a 124-111 record, including a WIAC Championship (both regular season and conference tournament) in 2016-17, which earned the UWRF staff the Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Association Coaching Staff of the Year honor. That season, the Falcons advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III National Tournament. As a member of the UW-River Falls staff, Westberg was responsible for leading recruiting efforts, developing scouting reports and coordinating the defense, among other projects, and helped produce 16 all-conference student-athletes, including one NABC Third Team All-American. He also served as an admissions counselor and Head Women’s Golf Coach at UWRF, and as a math teacher at River Falls High School during his time in River Falls.
Westberg is appreciative of the opportunity to return to his alma mater. “I’m honored and excited to be the next Head Men’s Basketball Coach at Northwestern,” the new program leader exclaimed. “As an alum of the program, I’m incredibly grateful for my time in the program and the positive impact that being an Eagle has had in my life. I’m eager to lead this group and to create new bonds, new memories, and compete with purpose at a high level! There are so many people to thank for making this happen. The Lord has been so good to me throughout my journey in coaching, and I’m thrilled that He has led me back to campus at UNW. I’m so appreciative of the support of my wife, Courtney, and my family along the way here. I’d like to thank Dr. Hill and the search committee for their time and effort through this process. I’m grateful for their faith and confidence in my abilities to lead this program well. I’d also like to extend a huge thank you to Coach Grosz. I’m well-aware that there are massive shoes to fill here, and I look forward to hitting the ground running as soon as possible. I’m so happy for Coach Grosz and his family as they begin their next chapter in Colorado after leaving an amazing legacy at UNW. We have a strong foundation to build on. I’d like to thank Coach Aune, Coach Krecklow, and Coach Pocernich for their efforts in this transition. I’m excited to connect and collaborate with them as we move forward here.”
While Coach Westberg is excited about the opportunity to come back to the Twin Cities, he is also battling emotions as he departs the town he grew up in. “Leaving UW-River Falls is bittersweet,” Westberg emphasized. “River Falls has been our home for 9 of the past 12 years, and we have been surrounded by an amazing community of people. I especially want to thank Coach Berkhof at UWRF for his support, mentorship, friendship, and the opportunity to learn and be a part of his staff. Thank you to the UWRF players, assistant coaches, alumni, Athletic Department, Admissions team, and the community as a whole. It has been such a pleasure to serve as a Falcon. As much as I’m excited for the next chapter, I will miss River Falls and the relationships that we have built over the years. That said, it’s an exciting time to be an Eagle, and I cannot wait to pour myself into our guys, this program, and this campus community!”
For the three years in between his stints at UW-River Falls, Westberg received his first head coaching opportunity at Houghton College in Houghton, New York, a Division III and NCCAA institution. Westberg led the Highlanders through a difficult period during the Covid-19 pandemic, including a very brief 2020-21 season, but was able to implement new and productive elements to the program, such as a JV team, prospect camp, and alumni events to connect the past players with the present ones.
Westberg’s predecessor and former coach, Tim Grosz, is elated that the program is staying in the family. “I am thrilled that Lance Westberg will be leading the program moving forward,” said Grosz. “As a player, he was part of a great four-year run and understands what it takes to be successful at UNW. Lance’s work ethic, humility, ability to connect, knowledge of the game and love for the Lord and others are some of his biggest strengths. I can’t wait to support Lance and the program in this new chapter of Eagle basketball.”
The “great four-year run” Grosz alluded to may be putting it lightly, as it was among the best four-year stretches in program history, culminating in an 81-32 record. As a freshman, Westberg was part of the 2010 NCCAA DI National Championship team, the first in team history. The following season, in Northwestern’s and the UMAC’s first year of NCAA Tournament eligibility after transitioning from NAIA, Westberg and the Eagles made the program’s first of nine DIII National Tournament appearances, and would go on to do so in his junior and senior seasons, as well. As a senior in 2012-13, Westberg started 20 games and averaged 13.0 points and 4.9 rebounds per game, while shooting 46.7% from the field. His crowning moment game in the UMAC Tournament Championship, when his 23 points in a 79-73 win over Bethany Lutheran earned him Tournament MVP honors. That season, he also earned All-Conference Honorable Mention recognition, as well as an All-Sportsmanship nod.
Northwestern Director of Athletics, Dr. Matt Hill, shares Grosz’s excitement in welcoming Westberg back to campus. “I am excited to welcome Coach Lance Westberg back home to UNW,” Hill affirmed. “Lance played a vital role on Eagle teams that won 3 UMAC titles and made 3 NCAA National Tournament appearances, including our first-ever one in 2011. He brings a wealth of experience in both coaching and recruiting, but even more importantly, Lance will lead our young men to have and UNWavering faith in Christ and a commitment to Compete With Purpose.”
After graduating from Northwestern in 2013 with a Bachelor of Educational Studies, Westberg eventually went on to obtain his Master in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine in 2018. He and his wife, Courtney, live in River Falls with their son, Leo, who will turn two in July. In his offseasons, Coach Westberg enjoys golfing, fishing, hunting and cutting wood.
Westberg’s first day at UNW will be June 22nd. The Eagles will open the Lance Westberg era on Saturday, November 7th at Hamline. His first home game leading the program will be Friday, November 13th at 7:00 PM against Lakeland.
