Leah Stancil
Leah Stancil is an Olympian, entrepreneur, and leadership consultant with a rich background in elite athletics and over two decades of experience in collegiate coaching. Born and raised in Barbados, Leah represented her country in the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games, earning a top-5 finish in the 50m freestyle. She also competed in the World Championships, Pan American Games, and Commonwealth Games. A proud University of Florida alumna, she came to the U.S. on an athletic scholarship and later earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology and sport & exercise psychology.
For 20 years, Leah coached collegiate swimming at programs including the University of Florida, Tulane University, and LSU, developing over 100 elite swimmers and serving as a national team coach for Barbados at multiple international events, including the Tokyo 2021 Olympics. Her coaching career honed her expertise in team building, leadership development, recruiting, and performance enhancement. Beyond athletics, she is passionate about cultivating mental resilience and empowering individuals to lead with purpose.
Today, Leah is the founder and owner of MARSTA LLC, a business dedicated to unlocking human potential through private swim training, leadership consulting, recruiting guidance, and team development. As a wife, mother of three, abuse and cancer survivor, and dynamic public speaker, Leah brings authenticity, humor, and deep insight into everything she does. Her journey reflects a deep commitment to resilience, growth, and helping others thrive—both in and out of the pool.
• University of Florida-Masters
• University of Florida-Bachelors
• USA SWIM COACH
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the resilience and discipline I developed through my lifelong journey—from representing Barbados as an Olympian, to coaching swimmers at the highest levels, and overcoming breast cancer while still leading a team. Each chapter, whether in the pool or in life, has shaped my strength, perspective, and commitment to empowering others to reach their full potential.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you can do anything you put your mind to, and you have the power to overcome any obstacle that comes your way. That mindset has carried me through every challenge and milestone in my journey.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
After overcoming significant challenges and staying resilient, I’m proud to be launching my own company, MARSTA LLC. I’m focused on growing the business, gaining exposure, and building a strong foundation for long-term success. I’m excited to begin this new chapter and fully embrace my journey as an entrepreneur.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me in both my work and personal life are faith, resilience, and purpose. Being present as a devoted mom and wife is a top priority, and I strive to maintain a healthy balance between family and my professional goals. I also believe in the power of sharing my story to uplift and encourage others—to help them face their fears, overcome adversity, and recognize that they, too, can be survivors and champions no matter what life brings.