Mardie Bays

DIRECTOR OF YOUTH DEVELOPMENT, YDL-U9

Coach Mardie has been active in the game of soccer since 1984. Mardie brings more

than four decades of experience to the game of soccer, with a lifelong commitment to

player development, leadership, and team success. A Massachusetts native, she was a

standout striker in the Boston area, competing at the club level and with the Olympic

Development Program (ODP) before going on to play Division I soccer at the

University of Vermont. There, she earned a starting role as a freshman, later captained

the team, received multiple honors—including America East Honorable Mention and

MVP of the Harvard Invitational—and graduated with honors from the School of

Business.

Mardie began her coaching career in Massachusetts, leading camps and clinics with

the PlaySoccer Company on the Harvard University campus and throughout the

region. Since relocating to the midwest, she has remained deeply involved in the game

—playing in adult leagues, coaching at the recreational level since 2012, and serving as

a staff coach with BC Fire since 2021, where she also contributes as a YDL Director and

futsal instructor.

She holds a U.S. Soccer D License, along with USSF Grassroots (4v4, 7v7, 11v11) and USYF

Level 1 & 2 certifications.

Off the field, Mardie has built a successful career in marketing and brand leadership,

working with global companies including Nike, ASICS, and Titleist. She currently serves

as Vice President of Client Services at Marks and holds a Master’s degree in

Communications from Michigan State University.

Mardie credits the game of soccer for shaping her leadership philosophy—centered on

trust, work ethic, and a willingness to take risks. She instills in her players a simple

belief: the difference between a good team and a great team is that great teams score

goals.

She lives in Ceresco, Michigan with her family and continues to be an active and

passionate contributor to the local soccer community.