Cynthia (Cindy) Schmandt Scannella – The Santa Barbara Independent

Cindy was born in March 1961 and passed away on September 17, 2022. Cindy was raised in Santa Barbara, where she attended Cold Springs School and later Santa Barbara Junior and Senior High School. While at Santa Barbara High, she developed a passion for running and became a standout track and cross-country runner, setting numerous records, some of which still stand today. Her love of athletics and cross country evolved into coaching, which began when she coached her endurance team as a senior in high school.

Her track and field successes continued at UC as an All-American in the 3,000 meter dash at UC Berkeley. When she was out due to injury, Cindy returned to her love of coaching and became an assistant coach on the Cal track team. After college, she coached at the University of New Mexico and was named 1983 Cross County Coach of the Year. Cindy was inducted into the Santa Barbara Athletic Round Table Hall of Fame and the SBHS Hall of Fame for her outstanding achievements as a coach and athlete.

While visiting Berkeley, she met her future husband, Jim. They married shortly after college. Jim was in the Navy at the time and they lived mostly on the east coast. They eventually settled in South Carolina where they raised their two children, Anthony and Katie. No matter where Cindy has been, she has made a difference by leading the youth to great personal achievements. She was an active college counselor and high school track and field coach. Most recently, she brought her talents to Heathwood Hall in Columbia, South Carolina, where she coached her teams to state championships and taught an award-winning yearbook class. Students there have expressed their love for her and their appreciation for the life-changing lessons she taught them.

Above all, Cindy embraced her family and never missed a special occasion or opportunity to get together with everyone. Her smile and hearty laugh will be missed by all. She was an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Cindy is survived by her 36-year-old husband, Jim; her son Anthony; her daughter Katie; her parents Rodger and Katie Schmandt; her brothers Greg and Michael; and her sisters Kelly Ferguson and Julie Link. She also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles.

Heathwood Hall posted their memorial at https://youtu.be/6Z0gAJ8KoYY. Those wishing to honor Cindy may make a donation to the Cindy Scannella Memorial Fund at www.heathwood.org/donate (fund designation).

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