ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland University Athletics has announced the hiring of Mitch Alters as Head Men's and Women's Swimming and Diving Coach effective May 8. 

"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," said Director of Athletics Steve Waterfield, "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."

Alters joined the Golden Grizzly staff in July 2021 as Associate Head Coach after spending three years at the University of Richmond.  Since Alters' arrival, the Golden Grizzlies have continued to win Horizon League titles with the most recent coming this season.  Alters will succeed Head Coach Pete Hovland, who is retiring after a legendary 44-year coaching career at Oakland.  

"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," said Alters,  "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, from North Canton, Ohio, was a two-time team captain for the Golden Grizzlies as the squad captured Horizon League titles all four years Alters participated.  Graduating in 2016, Alters was a College Swimming Coaches Association of America Honorable Mention All-American in 2016, and earned numerous academic accomplishments including Academic All-Horizon League.

"Mitch's greatest strengths are his ability to communicate and the positivity that he brings to every task every day.   Since Mitch left Oakland, he has been doing everything possible to position himself for this day and I am truly excited and happy the University has embraced him with (this) announcement," said Hovland.

Before joining Richmond, Alters spent two seasons as a graduate assistant at the University of Arkansas.  At Arkansas, he oversaw and conducted workouts for the team, with a focus on the sprint group.   

"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.  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," said Hovland.