Bio

Mari Fine returned as Graceland University’s head dance coach in 2026 after previously leading the program from 2018 to 2021. In addition to her coaching responsibilities, she serves as the Athletic Operations Coordinator, bringing more than two decades of experience working across multiple areas of the university and athletics department.

Fine began her career at Graceland in October 2000 as a temporary full-time employee assisting Human Resources during a system conversion and departmental reorganization. During that time, she also worked in Admissions and Accounting before moving into a full-time role in the Student Accounts office, where she served from 2001 to 2007.

In 2007, Fine transitioned into the athletics department as Office Manager, overseeing operations for 17 sports programs. Her role expanded in 2012 when she moved into full-time Athletic Operations.

Fine’s coaching experience spans more than two decades. She served as the Club Cheer sponsor and coach from 2002 to 2009, helping guide the program before cheer and dance were elevated to varsity status. She continued as the varsity head cheer coach through 2012 before stepping away to focus on her athletic operations responsibilities.

In 2018, Fine became head dance coach and led the program for three seasons before helping establish Graceland’s spirit squad initiative and serving as its director. She returned to the sidelines in 2025 to once again lead the dance program.

A former multi-sport athlete, Fine was a four-year starter in both basketball and softball during high school and also participated in cheer, dance, and choir.

Fine has two children, Tyson McLain and Danica (McLain) Stoll, a Graceland alum, and two granddaughters, Nola and Zella Stoll.