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 andbMVP 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.