LEBANON — Julie Riesen Smith’s connection to Lebanon swimming spans nearly three decades.
Soon, she will be leading the program that helped shape her athletic career.
Lebanon Athletics announced that Smith will return to her alma mater as the Warriors’ head swim coach, pending approval by the Lebanon City Schools Board of Education. The 2002 Lebanon graduate returns with an extensive coaching background, years of experience working with student-athletes and a resume that ranks among the most accomplished in program history.
Smith’s appointment represents a homecoming for one of Lebanon’s most decorated swimmers. Competing for the Warriors from 1998-2002, she established herself as one of the premier athletes in school history and was inducted into the Lebanon High School Athletics Hall of Fame in 2025.
During her career, Smith set multiple school records and advanced to some of the highest levels of Ohio high school swimming competition before continuing her collegiate career at the University of Toledo. More than two decades after graduating, she still owns Lebanon’s school record in the 1,650-yard freestyle and remains among the program’s all-time leaders in several events, including the 500 freestyle, 200 breaststroke, 400 individual medley, 200 freestyle, 200 individual medley and 100 breaststroke.
Smith was a three-time individual district qualifier, swam on four district-qualifying relay teams and served as team captain during her senior season. She also earned team MVP honors before graduating in 2002.
Her return comes after years spent working in both education and competitive swimming. Since 2018, Smith has worked in Student Services at the Warren County Career Center, building relationships with students and families while supporting their educational development.
She also has served as a lead coach with the Countryside YMCA Torpedoes Swim Team, helping develop swimmers across a wide range of ages and skill levels.
Smith said the opportunity to lead her hometown program carries special meaning.
“I am so excited to return to the pool deck to lead the Lebanon Warriors Swim program,” Smith said. “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.”
The timing of Smith’s return adds another layer to the story. Her daughter, Keelyn, is expected to be a senior this season and enters the year as a three-time state qualifier for the Warriors. Younger daughter Delaney is set to join the program as a freshman.
Lebanon athletic director Keith Pantling said Smith’s background as a former standout swimmer, educator and coach made her the ideal candidate to lead the program into its next chapter.
“We are thrilled to welcome Julie back home to lead our swim program,” Pantling said. “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.”
Lebanon officials said a meeting for returning and prospective swimmers will be announced in the coming weeks as Smith begins preparations for her first season leading the Warriors.
The opportunity marks a full-circle moment. Smith once built a Hall of Fame career in a Lebanon swimsuit, and now she returns to the pool deck with the chance to help shape the next generation of Warriors swimmers.
