Ryan Lochte Joins Missouri State Swimming Staff
Six-time Olympic gold medalist Ryan Lochte is set to join the coaching team for the Missouri State swimming program this year.
Lochte is expected to start working with head coach Dave Collins later this summer, pending approval of his contract by the university’s Board of Governors in June.
Under the terms of his contract, Lochte will earn around $30,000 and can also receive bonuses, such as $750 for winning the Missouri Valley Conference men’s or women’s championship or co-championship. Individual qualifiers for the NCAA Championships will earn a $500 bonus, and relay teams qualifying for the championships will also receive the same amount.
Lochte’s hourly wage is set at $34.10, which aligns with the pay of assistants Anna Miller and Lee Smothers.
Head coach Dave Collins expressed his excitement about Lochte joining the staff, noting how seriously Lochte views this opportunity. “It’s not just the time or the result that’s important,” Lochte mentioned. “This is about helping young men and women build the discipline, resilience, and confidence that will take them far beyond the pool. I’ve experienced the highs and lows of this sport, and I want to share that perspective to support them in reaching their full potential both in and out of the water.”
Lochte has had a celebrated swimming career, but it hasn’t been without its controversies. Issues began during the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where Lochte and three teammates vandalized a gas station restroom and subsequently made false claims of being robbed at gunpoint. This incident led to a 10-month suspension. Two years later, he faced another suspension, this time for 14 months, after the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency determined he received more than 100 mL of intravenous vitamins in a short period without the necessary exceptions.
In 2025, Lochte made a significant personal change, rededicating his life to his faith and getting baptized.
“My heart is filled with so much love and happiness, and I am so grateful for all that God has done and is going to do in my life. Thank you to everyone who has loved and supported me throughout my journey. You mean so much to me!” he commented.
