APPLETON, Wis. -- Rhett Wisener is the new assistant coach for the Lawrence University swim and dive teams, Director of Athletics Jason Imperati announced today.
    Wisener joins the staff of head coach Jody Riskowski, who began guiding the Lawrence teams in 2024. 
    "A lot of the things Rhett discussed were about culture and values, and as we're looking to build a strong foundation and culture of excellence, I was looking for an assistant coach who understood the need to promote a strong positive culture alongside strong athletic performances," Riskowski said.
    Wisener brings more than 15 years of club coaching experience to the Vikings. His most recent coaching stint came with the Center Grove Aquatic Club in Greenwood, Indiana. 
    "I'm very grateful and appreciate Lawrence and Jody for giving me this opportunity," Wisener said. "I look forward to getting to know and work with the student-athletes and others at Lawrence, and doing what I can to help the student-athletes succeed both in and out of the water."
    Wisener spent seven years coaching with the Indian Creek Aquatic Club and Indian Creek High School in Tafalgar, Indiana, through 2016. During that time, he also served as an assistant coach for Team Indiana. Wisener then worked with the South Carolina Swim Club from 2016 to 2021 with a stint coaching with Team South Carolina. He also coached with the Columbia Swim Club in Missouri and the Bobcat Swim Club in Ohio before serving as an assistant with Center Grove.
    "Like the recruiting process and fit with student-athletes to the program, finding a good fit with staff is equally important," Riskowski said. "Rhett has a strong club and age-group background, and he's eager to utilize his knowledge and skills into the collegiate system. Having him on-campus at Lawrence, he was enthusiastic to get to know the team members and discuss how he could contribute to the Lawrence swim and dive program."
    A 1997 graduate of Purdue University with a degree in fisheries and aquatic sciences, Wisener also has a master's degree in recreation and sport sciences from Ohio University. 
    Lawrence opens its season on October 17 with its Alumni Meet at Boldt Natatorium.