LHS Hall of Famer Julie Riesen Smith Returns to Lead Swim Program
Lebanon Athletics is proud to announce that Julie Riesen Smith will return to Lebanon High School as the Head Swim Coach, pending approval by the Lebanon City Schools Board of Education.
A 2002 Lebanon High School graduate, Coach Smith returns home with a proven record of success in the sport, a strong coaching background, and a deep appreciation for the impact swimming can have on student-athletes and the community.
A standout swimmer during her time as a Warrior from 1998-2002, Julie Riesen established herself as one of the most accomplished athletes in program history. Her achievements earned her induction into the Lebanon High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025.
During her high school career, Julie set multiple school records and competed at the highest levels of Ohio high school swimming before continuing her career at the University of Toledo. She still holds the school record in the 1650 Freestyle and ranks top 3 all-time in the 500 free, 200 breast, and 400 IM. She also remains among the program's all-time leaders in the 200 Freestyle, 200 IM and 100 Breaststroke.
Julie was a three-time individual district qualifier and a four-time member of district-qualifying relay teams. She served as team captain during her senior season in 2002 and was named Team MVP.
Professionally, Julie has worked in Student Services at the Warren County Career Center since 2018, bringing valuable experience in education and student development. In addition to her work in education, she has spent several years as a lead coach with the Countryside YMCA Torpedoes Swim Team, helping develop swimmers of all ages and abilities.
Coach Smith shared, "I am so excited to return to the pool deck to lead the Lebanon Warriors Swim program! Lebanon has an incredible community, and I cannot wait to work with these talented athletes, build on the team's traditions, and help every swimmer reach their full potential both in and out of the water. Go Warriors!"
Julie and her family have deep ties to the Lebanon swim community. Her daughter, Keelyn, will be a senior this season and is a three-time state qualifier for the Warriors. Her younger daughter, Delaney, will join the program as a freshman.
"We are thrilled to welcome Julie back home to lead our swim program," said Athletic Director Keith Pantling. "As a Lebanon graduate, Hall of Fame athlete, educator, and coach, she brings a unique perspective and genuine passion for developing young people. Her strong relationships with the Countryside YMCA and area swimmers, combined with her commitment to education-based athletics, relationship-building, and competitive excellence, make her an outstanding fit to lead our student-athletes and cultivate a program and culture that our school and community can be proud of."
A meeting for returning and prospective swimmers will be announced in the coming weeks.
