08/27/2026
Coach Mariah Gandy brings a lifelong passion for athletics, education, and developing the whole student-athlete. A former NCAA Division I track & field athlete, she began her collegiate career at McNeese State University, where she was named the 2012 Southland Conference Outdoor Athlete of the Year, became the program’s first Southland Conference heptathlon champion, earned USATF Junior All-American honors, and set five school records. She completed her collegiate career at Louisiana State University (LSU), where she became an SEC finalist in both the 60m and 100m hurdles.
After competing, Coach Gandy transitioned into collegiate coaching at Mercer University, working with multis, hurdles, and field events while earning her Master’s degree in Higher Education Leadership. During her time at Mercer, she helped coach the program’s first conference champion in the triple jump. Her coaching career continued at Mount de Sales Academy in Macon, Georgia, where she coached track & field for several years, alongside a career in education that has included elementary physical education, high school education, and Montessori teaching.
For Coach Gandy, coaching has never been simply about winning. She believes in building relationships first and coaching the whole athlete—mind, body, character, and faith. Her goal is for athletes to recognize that their athletic ability is something God has gifted them, but it is only one part of who they are. She encourages athletes to develop their gifts, compete with excellence, and ultimately use their talents to glorify God.
“Athletics is a part of who you are—it is not all that you are.”
Coach Gandy is excited to bring her experience, energy, faith, and love for developing young athletes to the FCA Lady Flames and is looking forward to an incredible season!
