PERSONAL
Hometown: Miami, Fla.
Education: Bachelors of Science in Exercise Science (Nova Southeastern)
EXPERIENCE
St. Thomas University - Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach (2022-present)
St. Thomas University - Assistant Swimming Coach (2021-2022)
BIOGRAPHY
Maria Miranda joined the St. Thomas University (STU) Swim and Dive team as an assistant coach ahead of the 2022–2023 season. She has since transitioned into a full-time strength and conditioning role, further cementing her influence on the team's development and success.
During her first season with the team, Coach Miranda, in collaboration with the coaching staff, played a key role in leading the STU Swim and Dive team to a stellar finish at the Sun Conference Championship in 2022. The men’s team earned a remarkable second-place finish, while the women’s team secured third place. Under her guidance, the men’s team shattered four individual records and three relay records, while the women’s team set new marks with ten individual and five relay program records.
The Bobcats’ achievements continued at the NAIA National Meet, where the swim team excelled across multiple disciplines. The men’s team broke thirteen individual records and five relay records, including two NAIA national records. The women’s team also left their mark, breaking seven individual records and five relay titles. Most notably, the women’s team produced the university's first-ever individual national champion in swimming, marking a historic achievement in STU's 60-plus-year history.
At the 2022 NAIA Swimming and Diving Championships, the men’s team finished in second place, claiming five national championships, setting two national records, and earning 11 All-American honors. The women’s team placed sixth, boasting eight All-American recognitions and three Scholar-Athletes, with one individual national champion.
In her second season as a coach, Miranda, alongside the STU Swim and Dive coaching staff, led the men's team to the university’s first-ever NAIA National Championship title. The women’s team earned a well-deserved second-place finish at the NAIA Swimming and Diving Championships, further solidifying the team’s competitive standing.
In addition to her work with the swim and dive program, Coach Miranda also oversees strength and conditioning for the women’s soccer, tennis, and rugby teams. The STU Rugby team, under her guidance, had an outstanding 2023 – 2024 season, winning the state championship with an undefeated record. In the 2024 – 2025 season, the rugby team continued their success, clinching the Florida College Conference 7s Rugby Championship with another undefeated title, and next year they will compete in the prestigious D1A division.
Before joining STU, Coach Miranda gained valuable coaching experience over 5 years at various CrossFit gyms in Miami, Florida. While studying at Nova Southeastern University, she had the privilege of coaching Special Olympics athletes. During this time, she also designed a 12-week strength and conditioning program tailored to athletes with special needs.
In August 2024, Coach Miranda earned certification as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), further enhancing her expertise and credentials in the field.
Coach Maria became a (CSCS) certified strength and conditioning specialist by the National Strength and Conditioning Association this past August.
