Courtesy of Morgan State Athletic Communications
The Morgan State Athletics Department will begin a new feature on morganstatebears.com that will highlight former student-athletes and their accomplishments in their professional careers and the impact they have made on their communities in their personal lives.
At Morgan State Athletics, we strive to arm our student-athletes with the skills to excel far beyond athletics. The Bear Makers series will provide Morgan State Athletics with the support and resources needed to position our student-athletes to succeed on a broader playing field of success.
Mariama Gondo was a four-year performer on the Morgan State track & field team and spent three seasons on the cross country team. Her career was highlighted by helping the Lady Bears capture the 2005 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Outdoor Track & Field Championship during her junior year. The Baltimore native accounted for a combined 22 points in the championship meet and earned a gold medal in the 4X400 meter relay.
A year after graduating from Morgan State, Gondo attended Florida A&M University from 2007-09 and earned a Masters degree in Public Health. She moved back to Maryland in 2015 and currently works for the Maryland Health Care Commission.
Mariama recently spoke to MorganStateBears.com about her time as a student-athlete at Morgan State and her present life living in Baltimore County.
Q+A with Mariama:
Q: What years did you attend Morgan State and what sport(s) did you play?
Gondo: I attended Morgan from 2002 through 2006. I ran indoor and outdoor track & field for all four years and I ran cross country for three years.
Q: Why did you choose to attend MSU?
Gondo: Morgan was the school my father wanted me to attend. He had the ultimate final choice in deciding which university to attend.
Q: What was your major at MSU and what year did you graduate?
Gondo: I studied health education with a focus in health care administration. I graduated in the Spring of 2006.
Q: Have you obtained a higher level of education since graduating from MSU?
Gondo: Yes. I attended Florida A&M University (FAMU) a year after I graduated from Morgan and earned a Masters degree in Public Health (MPH). I earned my MPH from 2007-09.
Q: Where do you currently live and work?
Gondo: I moved back to Maryland in 2015 after living and working in public health for the State of Florida and Washington State. I currently work for the Maryland Health Care Commission (MHCC) which is a sister governmental agency within the State's department of health system. I work specifically within the Center for Quality Measurement and Reporting at MHCC.
Q: Did you always know or predict that your career would be in your current profession?
Gondo: Yes, I always imagined I'd be a pharmacist. Once at Morgan I ran into a professor within the honor's chemistry program that made me reassess the ability to graduate within four years and maintain my track scholarship as a chemistry major. While it was disappointing to change my major, I sought out a degree program that would still allow me to work in the health care industry.
Q: How did your time as a student and student-athlete at MSU prepare you for your career and life after college?
Gondo: Definitely, Morgan taught me perseverance, patience, and determination. I was always a hard worker but at Morgan, it taught me to be creative in handling various challenges or setbacks. I also learned a lot about myself and helped strengthen my character and integrity.
Q: What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated from MSU?
Gondo: I feel like, I'm most proud that I'm fearless. In the sense that I do not let challenges or struggles hold me back from chasing my dreams. I have been able to hold respectable titles and perform meaningful health care policy work for three different health systems.
Q: What is your best advice for current MSU student-athletes?
Gondo: Take it seriously. You can excel both as a student and an athlete, so do not let the opportunity pass you by. Be the best you can be. Do not be afraid to train hard and really push yourself. There is a great sense of accomplishment you will feel knowing you were able to balance the role of a student-athlete if you handle business in both arenas.
Q: What is your favorite memory from your time as a Bear?
Gondo: Oh man, where to start. I will just say it was a good way to meet and connect with people from all walks of life. Especially when we traveled and competed at other universities.
Q: Have the relationships you built among your team lasted beyond college?
Gondo: Yes, I am still in close contact with a few of my teammates.
Q: When was the last time you had been to campus? How has the campus changed?
Gondo: I was last there at the 2019 Homecoming. Morgan is expanding and it is a beautiful sight. Definitely different from when I attended.
Q: What are some things you enjoy doing in your free time?
Gondo: In my spare time, I coach track, play softball, and catch up with friends.
Q: Are you still involved in athletics in some capacity?
Gondo: Yes, while I still run from time to time, I am not in competitive running shape. So for now I have traded in my track spikes for a softball bat. I play for a local adult traveling softball coed team, though I also play in recreational women and coed leagues.
Q: What motivates you to give back (volunteer, mentor, donate) to MSU Athletics?
Gondo: It feels good to give back and to help others. Someone helped us to get where we are now, so it is almost a duty to reach back and extend a hand.