Pete Hovland is currently the head coach of both the Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Team’s at Oakland University. This is the second year the team has competed in the Horizon League. Pete is assisted by Shawn Kornoelje, Katie Sullivan, Andre Latour, Blaine Dolcetti, and Larry Albright (Diving). Oakland Swimming and Diving is known for their long history of success in the pool, starting in the Division II days. In Division II, Oakland won 20 National Championships between the Men and Women’s teams. After Oakland moved up to Division I, the teams continued their winning tradition, being undefeated at the conference championships 16 years in a row.
Background
After Pete graduated from Chico State in 1976, he followed his college coach to Oakland University, where he became an integral part of the program. At Chico State, Pete was a successful middle-distance freestyler, finishing at the top of the Division II level. He majored in Physical Education, which made college coaching an easier step for him. Dr. Ernie Maglischo, who coached Pete in college, was the women’s team coach at Oakland when Pete joined the program in 1979.
Division II to Division I
In the years Oakland was transitioning from Division II to Division I, the university was also building a brand new Recreation Center, that included a 50-meter pool. This made the transition easier on the team, since it was a big recruiting tool. Prior to the transition, Pete had coached the men’s teams first NCAA Division II victory, as well as the men’s and women’s team victories in 1994. Pete was also a coach for the women’s program when they won their fifth National Championship.
Favorite Coaching Moments
One of Pete’s most memorable moments from coaching at Oakland University was when he had his first athlete, Karin Enneking, earn DI NCAA All-American in his second year of coaching the women’s program. He also continues to enjoy when his athletes compete and score at NCAA’s, because it shows the strength of the program. Pete was also able to coach Olympians at the 1988 Olympics in Korea, and 2000 Olympics in Australia. Winning Oakland University’s first ever Horizon League Championship was also one of Pete’s favorite coaching moments.
Goals for Program
Pete continues to work towards winning the conference championships every year, as well as becoming a consistent Top-10 Mid Major school for both the men’s and women’s programs. He would also like swimmers/divers to continue to qualify and score at DI NCAA’s and to send relays.
