Renowned Olympic swimmer Ryan Lochte is taking an unexpected turn in his career by stepping into the realm of college sports as an assistant swimming coach at Missouri State University.
At 41, Lochte—whose accolades place him among the most celebrated Olympians—will collaborate with head coach Dave Collins later this summer. This marks Lochte’s first significant career move following a turbulent phase in his personal life last year.
In a statement, Lochte expressed his motivations, saying, “Swimming provided me with structure, purpose, and a platform to evolve not only as an athlete but also as a person. Embracing a coaching role allows me to channel my experiences back to student-athletes, a responsibility I hold in high regard.”
“Coaching transcends mere times and results. It’s about instilling discipline, resilience, and confidence in young men and women that will extend well beyond the swimming pool,” he continued.
“Having navigated both the triumphs and tribulations of this sport, I aim to use my insights to guide, support, and help them realize their potential both in and out of the water,” Lochte added.
This new chapter follows closely on the heels of a dramatic separation from his long-time spouse and a subsequent brief period in a rehabilitation center.
Olympic legend Ryan Lochte has announced a surprise move into collegiate athletics
It marks his first major professional step since a turbulent period in his personal life last year
The former Olympian, 41, was married to former Playboy Playmate Kayla Rae Reid, with whom he shares three children, for seven years until she filed for divorce in March 2025.
The swimmer has since moved on with new girlfriend Molly Gillihan, who Reid recently accused Lochte of cheating on her with before their separation.
Reid and Lochte share three children: Caiden, eight, Liv, six, and Georgia, two. The couple’s split was officially announced in June 2025, three months after the initial filing.
At the time, Reid wrote in a lengthy Instagram post that she made the ‘hard decision to end my marriage after deep prayer and reflection’ following a season she described as ‘painful’ and ‘challenging.’
While she hinted at ‘betrayal’ in that initial announcement, Lochte was spotted cozying up to Gillihan shortly after, though he has adamantly denied any overlap between the two relationships.
Earlier this year, the swimmer confirmed he had moved into a new home with Gillihan, a 37-year-old kindergarten teacher, and her three children.
‘I fell in love with someone who shares those same values and who has three children of her own,’ Lochte told People in January, describing their new life as a ‘family of six kids.’
‘She’s my best friend, our kids have formed an incredible bond, and it became clear that being together under one roof was the right next step for all of us,’ he added.
Lochte’s new girlfriend fired back at the former Olympian’s ex-wife on social media
In March 2025, ex-wife Kayla filed for divorce alleging Lochte did drugs in front of their kids
Lochte’s, meanwhile, brilliant swimming career was not without controversy.
In 2016, he claimed to be among four American swimmers who were robbed by armed men in Rio de Janeiro while competing at the Summer Olympics.
Later, it emerged that the armed men were actually guards at a gas station where Lochte allegedly vandalized a poster, resulting in an apology from him and a 10-month suspension from USA Swimming and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
Two years later, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency suspended Lochte for 14 months for receiving a ‘prohibited intravenous infusion’ of what he claimed to be vitamins. Lochte had posted a picture of the injection on social media before deleting it.
Missouri state has long been one of the nation’s best mid-major swimming programs. Its men have won 21 conference championships and its women have won 18 of them, and Collins has been voted the conference’s top coach on 13 occasions.
‘We are very excited to welcome Ryan to the coaching staff,’ he 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.’
