Hillsdale alum Peter Kalthoff plays professional basketball in Slovakia | Peter Kalthoff

When Peter Kalthoff ’23 stepped onto the court for his first professional basketball practice he said he was overcome by excitement. Peter looked around at his new teammates who he had met just 15 minutes earlier, itching to practice with them. The smell of freshly opened uniforms, new sneakers, and leather reminded Peter of the latest phase in his basketball career: He was no longer in his hometown of Hillsdale; he was in unfamiliar territory. The next few hours would be crucial for Peter to make an impression on the team and learn his strengths and weaknesses. 

Peter decided to continue his career in basketball when he finished college, signing a professional contract with the Slovakian team Basketbalový Klub Iskra Svit to play in its 2023-2024 season. The contract was complete with benefits that accommodated both him and his wife.

“Overall, I have really liked it. It is a wonderful opportunity and a blessing to put the ball through the hoop for a living, and so it’s been a fun way to think about going to work each day,” Peter said. 

Peter’s life as a pro athlete is fully packed. He said his days start by waking up at 7:30 a.m. and heading to his first practice. During practice, they focus on either skills, shooting, film, or weights, followed by a team lunch and a few hours of rest. Later, he has a second team practice and team film.  Peter said he finishes the day by eating dinner with his wife at home, reading a book, or calling his family.

According to Peter’s father, Dean of Faculty and Professor of History Mark Kalthoff, Peter broke his hand during winter break his fourth year at Hillsdale, causing his season to end unexpectedly. Dissatisfied with how his season ended, Peter decided to take a fifth year. 

“Summer came and it wasn’t clear what his senior year would be [like] given his junior year,” Kalthoff said. “But he worked really hard over the summer and continued to improve.”

John Tharp, Peter’s coach at Hillsdale said he thought it was a good decision for Peter to take a fifth year.

“He was a tremendous athlete, he just needed to get a little stronger,” Tharp said. “I am not sure if he would have had this immediate success if he had only been at Hillsdale for four years.” 

As a person constantly striving to improve himself, Peter reached out to an agent at the end of his fifth year to help him find a pro basketball team to play for in Europe. 

Tharp said he was very happy and proud when he found out that Peter was interested in playing pro basketball.

Kalthoff and Tharp credit Peter’s success to his hard work and diligence to the sport. Both agreed thatPeter is his own greatest competition, working to be the best possible version of himself.

“He practiced hard every single day,” Tharp said. “He gave maximum effort on the floor.”

According to the Hillsdale College Athletic Department, Peter finished his 2022-2023 season as a first-team All G-MAC player, ranked second on the Hillsdale men’s basketball team in scoring 13.9 points per game.

“He is one of the best,, if not the best athlete I have ever coached,” Tharp said.

Peter’s success continues as he hones his craft in Slovakia. Kalthoff said Peter scored 16 points, made 15 rebounds, and blocked four shots during his game against BKM Lucenec Oct. 7.

Peter said people looking to play their sport at a professional level should continue to work hard and put extra hours in at the gym while you’re young and while your body can still take it.

“Spend a little time watching some European basketball,” Peter said. “I would recommend watching the EuroLeague or EuroCup Basketball and Basketball Champions League.”

Kalthoff and Tharp said Peter’s humility and kindness make them especially happy to see Peter succeed in Slovakia.“He defines what it means to be a true Hillsdalian,” Tharp said. “He is an example to every student athlete of what hardwork and patience is all about.”