12-time Olympic medalist and current World Record holder Ryan Lochte will join the Missouri State coaching staff for the upcoming 2026-2027 season as an assistant coach, the school announced.
“What stood out to me about Missouri State is the culture,” Lochte explained. “There’s a strong sense of purpose, accountability, and team-first mentality. You can tell this is a program that’s building something meaningful and sustainable. Dave (Collins) and Chelsea (Dirks-Ham) have created an environment that emphasizes development, not just performance, and that really resonates with me. Their vision for the program aligns with how I see the sport — developing complete athletes and great people. Being able to learn from them while also bringing my own experience to the table made this opportunity feel like the right fit.”
“From a personal standpoint, this is a new chapter that I’m truly excited about,” Lochte continued. “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. This opportunity isn’t something I take lightly. It’s about building relationships, contributing to a winning culture, and helping shape the next generation — not just as swimmers, but as people.”
This will mark Lochte’s coaching debut after a decorated swimming career. Lochte last competed at the 2021 US Olympic Trials-Wave II. He was 7th in the 200 IM, an event he held the World Record in until July 2025. He represented the US at the 2004, 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympic Games. Lochte swam to eight long course meters World Records during his career, including the men’s 4×200 free relay record of a 6:58.55 that still stands from 2009.
Lochte competed at the collegiate level at Florida and graduated in 2007 with a degree in sport management. Lochte was a 24-time All-American, 7-time NCAA Champion, and held NCAA records in the 100 backstroke, 200 backstroke, 200 IM and 400 IM.
Lochte joins the coaching staff led by Dave Collins, who has served as head coach since 2012. Chelsea Dirks-Ham has been an associate head coach with the programs since 2013.
How Good Is Missouri State Swimming?
The Missouri State men captured their 6th Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) title this past season and 22nd overall conference championship. The Missouri State women finished 3rd out of nine teams at the 2026 Missouri Valley Conference Championships.
The men sent one swimmer to the 2026 NCAA Championships as freshman Kiefer Roemer finished 29th in the 100 breaststroke in a lifetime best 52.15. Prior to Roemer, the last swimmer on the men’s side to swim at an NCAA Championship was back in 2019 when Blair Bish and Artur Osvath competed at the meet in Austin, Texas. Bish earned Honorable Mention NCAA All-American honors at the meet with a 51.95 100 breaststroke for 10th overall.
The women have only sent one swimmer to an NCAA Championship. Back in 2022, Anna Miller swam to a 35th place finish in the 50 freestyle with a 22.29. Miller graduated in 2022 and was an assistant coach for the program this past season after being hired in May 2025.
Historically, the Missouri State women have been dominant in the Missouri Valley Conference as they have captured a total of 20 MVC team titles, including eight titles in a row from 2008-2015 as well as eight in a row from 2017-2024. The men’s program just began competing at the MVC as the MVC started sponsoring men’s swimming and diving during the 2024-2025 season. Prior to that, the men’s team competed in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). All the MAC programs now compete at the MVC Championships as the MAC does not sponsor men’s swim and dive anymore.
