Oakland University Names Mitch Alters Head Coach
Mitch Alters has been hired by Oakland University to head its men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs, the school announced on Friday.
Alters’ promotion is effective May 8. He will replace Pete Hovland, who announced in January that he would end his 44-year run at the helm of the Golden Grizzlies.
“I would like to thank Steve Waterfield and John Ciszewski for selecting me as the next Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Head Coach at Oakland University. From the beginning of the interview process, it was clear that Steve and John valued the future of Oakland Swimming and Diving,” Alters said in a university statement. “I’m honored to follow in the footsteps of all the legendary Oakland coaches before me, especially my coach, mentor, and friend, Pete Hovland. I am looking forward to this opportunity to continue to build upon the tradition of success in the pool, classroom, and community. OU is a special place and I could not imagine being anywhere else.”
Alters returned to his alma mater in July 2021 as an associate head coach after three seasons at the University of Richmond. The Golden Grizzlies are the reigning Horizon League champions.
Alters swam at Oakland from 2012-16, graduating with four Horizon League titles. He was an honorable mention All-American in 2016 and a member of the Horizon League all-academic team.
“I am excited that Mitch will be leading the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs and I look forward to watching him build upon Coach Hovland’s decades of championship success,” athletic director Steve Waterfield said. “Throughout the interview process, Mitch articulated a vision for the programs that valued the traditions that make OU swimming and diving unique while positioning the programs for continued success amidst the evolving landscape of Division I athletics. As Mitch starts creating his own head coaching legacy, I am confident the future of OU swimming and diving remains bright.”
A native of North Canton, Ohio, Alters started his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas for two years, focusing on the sprint group. He moved on to Richmond before returning to Oakland.
“Mitch’s growth and development in all facets of coaching is truly impressive and his exposure to the SEC and the A-10 these past 5 years will only aid him in growing the program further,” Hovland said. “In the two years he has been back as our Associate Head Coach, his impact on our current student-athletes, both athletically and academically, has been impressive.”
