During his first season at South Plains (2011-2012), Plona assisted in leading the Texans in an undefeated season claiming the NJCAA Champion Title at 36-0, only the sixth time in the history of the NJCAA for a team to accomplish such excellence.

South Plains has made three-tournament appearances during Plona's four years. With him on the sidelines, and head coach Steve Green, the Texans went 116-21. He has played an essential role in recruitment for South Plains, as well as aiding with player schedules, academics, and other daily operations within the program.

Plona has held similar assistant positions at other schools, including Indian Hills. Prior to that he served as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith where he was in charge of coaching post players.

He was a graduate from Providence College in 2007, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, and then in December of 2011 he received a Masters of Business Administration.