Maria began her swimming career at age five with the Dynamo Swim Club. Her early experience ignited a passion for both swimming and coaching. She swam at Clemson University from 1979-1983. After graduating from Clemson, Maria coached at Dynamo Swim Club for 35 years while also coaching at both Swim Atlanta and Georgia Tech. She later returned to Dynamo as Head Coach of Masters Swimming, Triathletes, and Multi Sport. She is often regarded as one of the top Masters coaches in the world. Maria fulfilled lifelong competitive goals while completing both Ironman Florida (2013) and Ironman Chattanooga (2016). Maria received Georgia Coach of the Year twice during her career and will be
remembered as both a tenacious athlete and a gifted coach.