Cristy Snellgroves is an esteemed figure in the world of track and field, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to her role as the Head Track and Cross Country Coach. With a career marked by dedication and excellence, Cristy has left an indelible mark on the sport.

Cristy holds the highest coaching certifications from World Athletics, including the IAAF Level V Elite Coach in Endurance and Sprints & Hurdles, as well as USATF Level III certifications in Endurance and Sprints & Hurdles. She is also recognized as a USTFCCCA Jumps Specialist and holds certifications in Sports Science, Injury Management, Strength & Conditioning, and is a USATF Certified Official.

As a Professional Elite Track & Cross Country Coach, Cristy coaches with the PURE Athletics Elite ADIDAS Olympic Sprint Group. This elite international training group boasts Olympic Medalists, American and World Record Holders, and NCAA Champions among its ranks. Cristy's guidance and mentorship have contributed significantly to the success of these elite athletes. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, Cristy serves as the Director of the PURE Athletics National Track Club. She also holds the position of Team Liaison & Track Manager at the National Training Center, where she manages business, marketing, and collegiate and international federations training. Cristy's role includes serving as the meet director for professional meets, ensuring the smooth operation of events and providing optimal training conditions for athletes.

Coach Snellgroves continues to make a significant impact through her exemplary leadership and coaching experience, securing esteemed coaching positions on Team USA. In 2024, she was selected as the Women’s Distance Coach at the World Indoor Championships, contributing to remarkable performances by athletes on the global stage. Her coaching journey boasts pivotal roles, including selections for the 2023 and 2017 Pan Am Junior Championships, where her guidance played a pivotal role in athlete success, overseeing a dynamic team of emerging talents. In 2019, Coach Snellgroves showcased her expertise as the Distance Coach for The Match-Europe vs. USA in Belarus, demonstrating her ability to strategize and lead in competitive international settings. Her impactful coaching extends to talent development, evident in her selection as the Women's Distance Coach for the 2021 NACAC U23 Championships and the Head Manager for the 2020 World Junior Championships. Coach Snellgroves' consistent presence on these prestigious teams underscores her dedication to shaping the future of track and field by nurturing athletes towards excellence.

Cristy is the visionary Founder & Head Coach of Lightfoot Elite, a program dedicated to nurturing the talents of emerging track and field stars. She is also the President & Co-Founder of Shine Symposiums, an initiative focused on the education and empowerment of female athletes. An active member of the US Women's Commission Executive Board, Cristy is deeply committed to advancing the interests of female athletes and promoting gender equity in sports. She is a sought-after speaker and conducts coaching workshops globally, sharing her expertise and insights with coaches and athletes around the world. As Past President of the US Women's Track Coaches Association and the US representative for the World Athletics Gender Leadership Program, she is committed to fostering a culture of excellence, empowerment, and inclusivity within the program and beyond.

As the Track and Cross Country program at Lake Sumter State College celebrates its fifth year under the dedicated leadership of Cristy Snellgroves, it proudly reflects on a legacy marked by outstanding achievements and unwavering determination. With three top-ten finishes in national competitions, the program has consistently demonstrated its competitive strength and resilience on the grand stage. This remarkable journey is further adorned by the recognition of four exceptional athletes who have earned the prestigious title of All-Americans: Alexander Croy, Cooper Krug, Caleb Melendez, and Kyja Williams. Their individual accomplishments stand as testaments to the program's commitment to excellence and the relentless pursuit of success. As the program continues to flourish and inspire, it remains steadfast in its mission to cultivate champions both on and off the track, embodying the spirit of perseverance, teamwork, and excellence.

With her unwavering dedication to athlete development and her commitment to excellence, Cristy Snellgroves continues to inspire and lead the next generation of track and field champions.

Cristy became cross country's head coach in the program's inagural season in 2019 as well as the first track & field head coach in 2024.