COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA - Iowa Western Community College announced today the hiring of a former NCAA Division I All-American and United States Olympic qualifier to lead its new swimming program. Mykenzie Liston, a four-time Iowa High School State Champion and state record holder from Council Bluffs Lewis Central, will lead the new Reiver men's and women's swim team which begins competition in the Fall 2024.
The Iowa Western Community College Board of Trustees approved adding swimming to its already successful athletic program at its Feb. 19 meeting, and the administration wasted little time finding a leader for a sport that is growing in popular at the junior college level.
"We knew that we needed someone with the experience and knowledge of what it takes to compete, and we definitely found that coach with Mykenzie Liston," said IWCC President Dr. Dan Kinney. "Mykenzie has a solid reputation both regionally and nationally and we are confident she will hit the ground running to make Reiver swimming a success."
Liston (the former Mykenzie Leehy), set multiple records at Lewis Central before earning a Division I scholarship at the University of Houston. While at Houston, she earned NCAA Academic and All-American swimming honors during a record setting college campaign in the American Athletic Conference. At Houston, Liston won multiple individual and relay titles as a member of the Cougars swim team and in her senior season earned top female swim honors at the AAC Championships.
She also qualified in two events for the U.S. Olympic Trials held in Omaha, Neb. in 2021 during her illustrious career at Houston. She earned a Bachelor's of Science degree in sports administration at Houston before moving on to Auburn University, where she completed her Master's of Education in adult education. She also competed for the Tigers, earning national qualifying times in three events. She was selected to represent Auburn on the Southeastern Conference Swimming and Diving Community Service Team.
Following her competitive career, Liston enjoyed successful coaching stops with the USA Midwestern club team (Swim Omaha) and as head swim coach and aquatics director at the College of St. Mary in Omaha. Last year, she was named to the KMAland Hall of Fame for her high school and collegiate accolades.
"We are excited to have Mykenzie join the Reiver athletic team," said IWCC Athletic Director Shane Larson. "Mykenzie's reputation in the swimming community speaks volumes for her success in and out of the pool, and she will be a great addition to our team."
Mykenzie and her husband, Joe, live in Council Bluffs. "I am excited to be a part of a supportive and winning environment that exists at Iowa Western," she said. "Starting a new program is a challenge I am looking forward to taking on."
