Anastasia Candia is officially taking over as head coach at Rutgers, the school announced Wednesday. Candia was named acting head coach in January after previous head coach Umme Salim-Beasley was placed on administrative leave following allegations of misconduct.
Under Candia’s leadership, the Scarlet Knights had a record-breaking 2025 season, posting the third-highest score in program history at 196.225 during the Big Ten championship to secure their first trip to the NCAA tournament since 2014. They finished the season ranked No. 36, improving on last year’s final ranking by 10 places. Candia was named the WCGA Region 3 Head Coach of the Year for her achievements, alongside assistant coaches Michael Rosso and Danielle DeMarco, who were recognized as Assistant Coaches of the Year.
Candia has been a member of the Rutgers coaching staff since 2019. Previously, she coached at Temple during Salim-Beasley’s tenure as head coach of the Owls’ program. She competed for the Scarlet Knights from 2012-15, where she helped the team qualify to regionals in 2014. She is currently pursuing a doctorate in sport psychology.
READ THIS NEXT: “Undeniable” Missouri Advances to First Championship Final in Program History
Article by Sophie…
