Gary Droze is returning to familiar ground as the newly appointed women's cross country head coach at Tallahassee State College, a role that feels like coming home for the seasoned coach. Droze originally launched the school's cross country program in 2016 and guided it through its formative years, also overseeing the now-discontinued track and field teams until 2023. He steps in to replace Kara Guinan, who was hired in 2024.
A fixture in the Tallahassee running scene, Droze's reputation precedes him. "Gary Droze's impact on cross country and track in our region is unmatched," said Dr. Sheri Rowland, Vice President for Student Affairs and interim Director of Athletics, in a press release. "His experience, leadership, and passion for student-athletes make him the ideal person to lead our women's program. We are excited to welcome him back to TSC."
During his initial tenure at the college—then known as Tallahassee Community College—Droze built a competitive program that produced All-Americans and qualifiers for the National Junior College Athletic Association Track and Field Championships. His coaching acumen, however, was honed long before his college days. From 1993 to 2019, Droze led Maclay School's cross country and track and field teams to remarkable success. The Marauders boys' cross country team dominated with five straight Florida High School Athletic Association state championships from 1998 to 2002, while the girls' team claimed titles in 1997, 1998, 1999, 2001, and 2005. Those achievements earned Droze a well-deserved spot in the FHSAA Hall of Fame in 2018, along with multiple Tallahassee Democrat All-Big Bend Coach of the Year awards.
Droze's own running journey is equally impressive. He competed for the United States Air Force Academy at the NCAA Cross Country Championships in 1981 and later represented the U.S. at the World Military Cross Country Championships in Portugal in 1985. While stationed at Eglin Air Force Base, he began his coaching career as an assistant at Choctawhatchee High School. With a Bachelor of Science from the Air Force Academy and a master's degree in exercise physiology from Florida State University, Droze brings a wealth of knowledge and experience back to Tallahassee State. "I'm home," he said, and for the Eagles' women's cross country program, that's a winning start.