May 8, 2008

DeKalb, Illinois - After five years at the helm of the Northern Illinois men's tennis team, head coach Pontus Hiort announced his resignation on Thursday to pursue other career opportunities. Hiort finishes his career with a mark of 58-50, including a record of 11-8 in 2008.  

 

"I would like to thank the past and present administrations for providing me the opportunity to work for Northern Illinois University Athletics," Hiort said. "I am grateful for all the support and encouragement the staff members of the athletic department have offered me throughout my years as head coach, which has made my tenure a very rewarding experience.

 

"I have greatly enjoyed my time as a coach and I am confident that NIU athletics faces a bright future," Hiort continued. "Lastly, I would like to thank all the student-athletes whom I have had the opportunity to coach.

 

"To be able to work with them has been a privilege, and I am deeply thankful for all their enthusiasm, hard work and dedication."

 

During his tenure, Hiort mentored two Mid-American Conference Players of the Year in both Willy Gali (2005) and Brian Livingston (2008). Livingston is one of five returning lettermen next season for the Huskies. In his five years of duty, Hiort saw four of his players reach All-MAC status nine times.

 

Hiort encouraged good sportsmanship among his student-athletes, as NIU claimed the MAC's Jack Vredevelt Sportsmanship Award in three of his five seasons. Senior Alex Friesen (Vancouver, B.C./Burnaby Central), a 2008 All-MAC first team selection, was NIU's most recent recipient as he earned the award for the 2007-08 campaign.

 

Under Hiort's watch, the men's tennis team was on top of their game in the classroom, as the Huskies, following the fall semester, owned a cumulative grade point average of 3.293. That GPA is the second-highest among NIU athletic programs.

 

For their efforts, five players were named to the Academic All-MAC Men's Tennis team that was announced on Wednesday (May 7). Prior to that announcement, NIU had just six total players named to that squad since 1998.

 

Hiort also spent two seasons as the head coach of the Northern Illinois women's tennis squad from 2004-06.

 

"We are very sad to see Pontus go," Interim Athletics Director Robert Collins said. "He has helped build a solid reputation for the men's tennis team in the Mid-American Conference, both athletically and academically, providing his student athletes with a world-class experience.

 

"He has given us five great years of stability in our men's tennis program and he is a wonderful departmental leader," Collins continued. "We wish him well as he moves forward in his life."

 

Collins announced that there will be a national search for Hiort's replacement.

 

Hiort, who received his doctorate in history from NIU in 2007, plans to move out of the area and pursue a career in education.

 

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