It’s not very often a head coach leaves after a successful season with a promising outlook for the future.

But that was the case for NIU men’s tennis coach Pontus Hiort, who announced his resignation Thursday.

“I was very happy here at NIU,” Hiort said. “But I have decided to pursue other opportunities outside of athletics.”

The “other opportunities” Hiort refers to is continuing his education. Hiort received his doctorate in history from NIU in 2007.

“[Education] has always been an interest of mine,” Hiort said. “The opportunity presented itself and I am excited.”

Hiort held a successful track record at NIU as the men’s tennis head coach, leaving with a record of 58-50 in five seasons at the helm. In those five years, Hiort coached two MAC Players of the Year with Willy Gali in 2005 and Brian Livingston in 2008.

Hiort also coached the women’s tennis team from 2004-2006.

There will be a national search for Hiort’s replacement, according to an NIU press release.

Five lettermen from the past year, including Livingston, return next season.

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