LSU Coach Inspires Student Athletes and Returns with Below-Knee Prosthesis

December 4, 2025

Hanger Clinic

LSU Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach Katie Guillory—affectionately known as Coach Guill—faced a life-changing accident that led to the loss of her left leg. Refusing to let adversity define her, she returned to coaching and reclaimed her role with resilience and purpose.

Competitor at Heart

A former college athlete, Katie Guillory played with her whole heart. Over the course of 12 years, she experienced seven knee surgeries and a hip surgery. Her passion for sports never wavered. She channeled that same drive into coaching LSU’s women’s beach volleyball and gymnastics teams, embracing her role with enthusiasm and heart.

A Life-Altering Accident

On July 4, 2025, Katie joined friends for a familiar weekend of jet skiing on Louisiana’s Blind River. Following a large wake from a passing boat, Katie became entangled in the ski rope so tightly that it nearly severed her left leg. After being air-lifted to a nearby hospital, she underwent a six-hour emergency surgery to try to save her leg. Despite the medical team’s efforts, Katie awoke to the devastating news that her leg could not be saved and was amputated below the knee.

“I’m an extreme realist, almost to a fault,” Katie said. “I knew immediately what was coming next—and I started preparing myself to live without a limb.”

A Partner in Her Corner

Unsure of what the future held, Katie began researching her recovery journey. She then met Hanger Clinic prosthetist Steven Maul, CP— a fellow LSU Tiger —who shared what she could expect and became a pivotal part of her recovery journey.

“I didn’t know many details other than she’d been in a traumatic accident. When I got the call, I knew I wanted to help,” said Steven. “From our first interaction, Katie has remained upbeat and in good spirits, even while experiencing expected pain and discomfort.”

Katie leaned into her athletic mindset, approaching recovery one day at a time.

While she knew she would regain her mobility over time, Katie initially found that everyday activities, like showering and proper skincare, required more support than she expected. With time and support from her therapists and care team, Katie learned how to adjust to daily activities in life.

Returning to Work

Katie was eager to return to work. Her strong desire to reconnect with her student athletes greatly aided her mental well-being and healing.

“It was an emotional return. Just seeing my students and doing what I love most meant everything to me,” said Katie. “I told them, ‘This is who I am, whether I have one leg or two, no matter if I’m coaching you from crutches, a wheelchair, a walker, or a prosthesis, I’m still your coach. My attitude, heart, and mind haven’t changed.’”

Steven cast and fit Katie’s first below-knee prosthesis, which she now uses for most daily activities. She has also since been fitted with a weightlifting prosthesis, which she uses while working out at the gym under Tiger Stadium. When needed, Steven even jumped in to help realign and adjust Katie’s prosthesis, making sure it stayed comfortable during her workouts.

“Steven has worked with me to optimize the fit of my prosthesis for my busy lifestyle. He has been such an accessible resource, often checking in during early mornings and over weekends,” Katie said. “There are obvious physical challenges to losing a limb, and I’ve had to ease into hours of wear and learn what things are supposed to feel like. Steven and I work through pressure points, nerve pain, and everything that comes with learning to live with a prosthetic limb.”

Perspective on Adversity

Katie considers this a pivotal time in her life, during which she has learned more about herself and what truly matters.

“Adversity is a separation point in life —you can either get bitter or better,” Katie shared, “I want people to use adversity as a projection point and realize your life can flourish in ways you would have never thought possible.”

She’s been overwhelmed by the support from family, friends, caregivers, and even strangers, reinforcing the importance of community during times of adversity.

Becoming an Amputee Ally

Katie has already begun using her platform to share inspiration and encourage others who may be facing challenges of their own.

“Several weeks ago, I got wind of an accident involving a young girl on a side-by-side and called Katie to see if she would be willing to visit her,” Steven shared. “Before I could even finish my sentence, Katie said, ‘I’ll be there.’ She’s such an influential member of our local community, and it’s incredible to witness the positive impact she continues to have on those around her.”

Online, Coach Guill goes by ‘Steel Guill’, a title acquired in the weight room when she started coaching professionally. Now, it carries a deeper meaning, reflecting her prosthesis and unwavering grit, strength, and spirit.