Coach Pete Hovland’s Retirement

April 10, 2023

For a moment, let’s all agree that life is a competition.

We compete with ourselves.

We compete with others.

Some of us teach and mentor others to compete.

Standards are set.

So, too, are expectations.

And then there’s Pete Hovland.

In a class by himself.

Pete hasn’t met the standard or expectation.

He defines the standard and defies expectations.

Pete’s life’s work as coach, teacher and mentor is not just a standard for accomplishment, success and excellence.

It is THE HIGHEST STANDARD.

In baseball, it’s a new home-run record….

In March, Pete was awarded the prestigious honor of the National Collegiate Scholastic Trophy by the body of the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA).

The honor comes from his peers.

Peers who know his greatness – yes, “greatness.”

That term is too often bandied about…. but here… with Pete, it’s the right and appropriate adjective for a career that includes coaching the men’s team to a conference championship for 45 consecutive years, and a women’s team for 29 titles, among a long list of accolades.

That award from the CSCAA honors extraordinary achievements.

And now, fittingly, as a recipient of the National Collegiate Scholastic Trophy, Pete is in the pantheon of the true luminaries of the sport that he loves and has coached at an unparalleled level of success.

According to the CSCAA, the National Scholastic Trophy is "the highest honor in intercollegiate and interscholastic swimming & diving, and is awarded to the individual who has made the greatest contribution to swimming as a competitive sport, and as a healthful, recreational activity in the province of undergraduate and scholastic education."

While we are all so impressed at the championships, we are more impressed at the humility by which Pete has gone about coaching.

Pete has not just developed a path here at Oakland University, he has blazed a new frontier for those who will follow….

Pete… You are the ultimate team player, and at every opportunity, you have always made it a point to appreciate all the volunteer assistants, GA's, and Assistant Coaches for their dedication, and assistance over your career.

This year, you received, yet again, the Horizon League Coach of the Year.

And at Oakland… you have taken us to horizons and beyond…

We are so grateful for your leadership, mentorship, and passion for the Swimming and Diving program.

On behalf of the Oakland University community, we wish you the best in your retirement, and please know how much we appreciate your time here…

And for setting the standard of greatness.