Missouri State University is adding one of the most accomplished swimmers in Olympic history to its coaching staff. Six-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte will join the Bears later this summer as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s swimming and diving programs under head coach Dave Collins.
Lochte, 41, brings a lengthy list of accomplishments to Springfield following a career that included 12 Olympic medals over four Olympic Games. He ranks third in Olympic swimming history in total medals won behind Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky. Lochte also won 39 world championship titles and collected 90 medals in major international competitions, including the Olympics, World Championships, Pan American Games and Pan Pacific Championships.
Before his professional success, Lochte was a 24-time All-American at the University of Florida where he earned NCAA Swimmer of the Year honors twice and won seven NCAA championships. Missouri State officials believe his experience competing at the highest levels of the sport will help continue the program’s growth while providing valuable mentorship for student-athletes both in and out of the pool.