Ryan Lochte brings gold-medal experience as Missouri State swim coach

Good luck finding a more accomplished swim coach than the new assistant at Missouri State.

Ryan Lochte — yes, the one with 12 Olympic medals, including six golds — will join the Bears and tutor their men’s and women’s teams once the university’s board of governors formally approves his contract in June. The Spruce Creek alum will work under head coach Dave Collins.

“From a personal standpoint, this is a new chapter that I'm truly excited about,” Lochte said in a news release. “Swimming has given me so much, and this is my chance to give back in a meaningful way. I'm coming into this role with humility, hunger and a genuine passion to make an impact.

“I want to be someone these athletes can trust — not just as a coach, but as a mentor who understands what they're going through.”

Spruce Creek graduate Ryan Lochte is one of the best swimmers in United States history.

The 41-year-old appeared in four Olympic Games, with the last one coming in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. He ranks as the third-most decorated swimmer in Olympic history, trailing only Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky in medal count.

Lochte grabbed the American Swimmer of the Year award twice and the FINA Swimmer of the Year honor three times. Along with Phelps, Ricky Berens and David Walters, Lochte still holds the world record in the 4x200-meter freestyle relay, which was set during the 2009 World Championships.

“His experience and proven success at the highest levels of our sport will have an immediate impact on our program and our student-athletes,” Collins said. “Beyond his lengthy list of accomplishments as an athlete, Ryan has a work ethic that will translate very well on deck as a coach. When you have the opportunity to bring in one of the best ever in our sport, you do everything you can to make it happen.”

Collins is entering his 15th season at Missouri State. He’s won 13 conference coach of the year titles. Under his guidance, the Bears have claimed 12 league championships on the women’s side and four on the men’s.