LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN, Ga. -- After 14 impressive seasons, John Hirte has announced that he has stepped down as the head coach of the men's and women's tennis programs, and has subsequently announced that associate head coach Renato Mizutani has been elevated to the head coaching position. 

Hirte will remain in his role as the Director of Athletics for Covenant College.

"Being able to serve as the head tennis coach at Covenant these past 14 years has been a tremendous joy and a blessing," said Hirte. "I am forever grateful to all the past and current student-athletes, families, and athletics staff who have contributed to the growth and success of Scots tennis."

During his 14 years at the helm, Hirte accumulated a program-record 280 wins between the men's and women's programs, earning six conference regular season titles and two conference championships.

Hirte earned four Coach of the Year distinctions for his efforts as well, helping develop 42 All-Conference players, including three Conference Players of the Year.

Hirte was also an accomplished tennis player for the Scots, earning a 2012 NCCAA All-American honor. 

Now, he passes the torch to a deserving apprentice.

Mizutani, entering his second full season with Covenant, helped the Scots tennis programs reach the CCS Tournament in 2025-26, overseeing a CCS semifinal appearance for the women and a CCS Championship appearance for the men. 

"I am really grateful for the opportunity to continue working for the Covenant College Tennis program and serve our Lord Jesus," Mizutani said. "My goal is to encourage the student-athletes to pursue excellence with selfless love and humble spirit for the glory of God."

Prior to Covenant, Mizutani spent two seasons as an assistant coach at Sewanee, where he helped lead both the men's and women's tennis programs to back-to-back SAA Championships and NCAA Division III Tournament appearances. 

"I am excited to see how the program continues to develop under Coach Renato's leadership," added Hirte. "He is an excellent coach with a true passion for using tennis to develop young men and women and encourage them in their walk with Christ."

Before his time atop Monteagle, Mizutani coached middle and high school tennis at Chattanooga Christian School from 2020-2024 and Baylor School from 2017-2019. In the 2018 season at Baylor, he assisted a unit that won the State Championship. 

For 10 years from 2007-2017, Mizutani was the tennis pro at Manker Patten Tennis Club, providing lessons to players of all skill levels and ages. 

On top of that, Mizutani is licensed as a Level I USPTR Certified Tennis Instructor.

Mizutani graduated from Shorter University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Business Administration. In 2014, he earned a Masters in Education from UT Chattanooga.

CONNECT WITH THE SCOTS

Be sure to follow the Scots all season long on athletics.covenant.edu and on social media at Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for up-to-date scores, news and other information.