Olympic legend Ryan Lochte is trading his swim cap for a clipboard. The 12-time Olympic medalist has been named an assistant coach for both the men's and women's swimming programs at Missouri State University, joining head coach Dave Collins' staff later this summer.

Lochte, 41, is one of the most decorated swimmers in Olympic history, with six gold medals among his 12 total medals across four Summer Games. His storied career also includes 18 long-course world championships and 21 short-course world titles, all following a standout collegiate career at the University of Florida.

"Swimming gave me structure, purpose and a platform to grow not just as an athlete but as a person," Lochte said in a statement. "To now step into a coaching role and pour that experience back into student-athletes is something I take seriously."

While Lochte's competitive achievements are undeniable, his career has also been marked by controversy. In 2016, he famously claimed he and three fellow American swimmers were robbed at gunpoint in Rio de Janeiro during the Olympics. The story later unraveled, revealing the men had vandalized a gas station bathroom and were confronted by security guards. Lochte apologized and received a 10-month suspension from USA Swimming and the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Two years later, the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency handed him a 14-month suspension for receiving a prohibited intravenous infusion of vitamins, which he had posted about on social media before deleting the post.

Now, Lochte is focused on a new chapter. "It's about more than times and results," he said. "It's about helping young men and women build discipline, resilience and confidence that will carry them far beyond the pool. I've lived the highs and the challenges of this sport, and I want to use that perspective to guide them."

Missouri State has long been a powerhouse among mid-major programs, with the men's team winning 21 conference championships and the women's team claiming 18. Collins, a 13-time conference coach of the year, is eager to add Lochte's expertise. "We are very excited to welcome Ryan to the coaching staff," Collins said. "Beyond his lengthy list of accomplishments, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will benefit our student-athletes immensely."