When UA Sports Hall of Famer George Young retired from a remarkable career as a four-time Olympic distance runner and athletic administrator at Central Arizona College, he bought a home in Pinetop and became accomplished at handiwork.
One of his projects this summer was to make a plaque out of choice piece of pinewood and carve the following inscription:
Mike Candrea
1,674 victories
1986-2021
Young, who was an All-American at Arizona in the early 1960s and won a bronze medal at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, would have needed a pinewood tree to list of all Candrea’s astonishing numbers: eight NCAA championships, 11 Pac-12 championships, 24 College World Series appearances, an Olympic gold medal, and, as many forget, back-to-back NJCAA softball championships at Central Arizona College in the early 1980s.
Candrea, who is No. 4 on our list of Tucson’s Top 100 Sports Figures of the last 100 years, lived next door to Young on the same rural road in Casa Grande for about 25 years. Now they both spend summers in Pinetop, a friendship and bond that began when Young was CAC’s athletic director and Candrea was the school’s assistant baseball coach, 1976-80.
Candrea was a baseball man to the core, helping Central Arizona win the 1976 national championship. His playing days were ended by multiple arm injuries, but CAC coach Kenny Richardson quickly offered Candrea a job as his top assistant coach.
Arizona coach Mike Candrea shares a few words with pitcher Kenzie Fowler after the Wildcats beat Tennessee 5-2 to advance to the championship finals at the 2010 Women’s College World Series.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star 2010
"When Kenny returned from winning the national championship he came into my office and said, ‘I tell you what, without Candrea, we wouldn’t have won the title,’" remembers Young, then CAC’s athletic director. "'He’s going to make a heck of a head coach someday.'"
Young hired Candrea to be a full-time teacher, including running a fitness program for CAC’s female students. It was during a period that Candrea commuted to Phoenix to complete requirements for a master’s degree.
"I’d go in to check on Mike. His classes were always full," Young says now. "Everyone was laughing, exercising, enjoying the day. It was very impressive. I kept thinking, 'You know, he’s got something special; people like him.'"
After the 1980 baseball season, Young asked Candrea, then 25, if he wanted to coach CAC’s softball team. Initially, Candrea balked.
But once Young explained that Candrea’s salary would increase significantly, Candrea, married with a young son, accepted.
Central Arizona won the 1984 and 1985 national championships with a cumulative 98-17 record. UA associate athletic director Mary Roby, searching for a softball coach, phoned Young.
"She said, 'We’d like to recruit your softball coach,'" says Young. "I knew it was inevitable we’d lose him, and I was so happy we lost him to my alma mater. I told Mary, 'I wouldn’t be surprised if he wins the national championship in his first five years.'"
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Young wasn’t far off; Candrea coached Arizona to the 1991 NCAA championship in his sixth year in Tucson. He was so successful in the 90s — 586-91 in the decade with five national titles and three No. 2 finishes — that he became the face of the sport.
That led to his selection as the 2004 and 2008 USA Olympic softball coach.
Members of the United States softball team, including pitcher Jennie Finch, put coach Mike Candrea on their shoulders as they celebrate their gold medal victory against Australia at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Eric Gay, Associated Press 2004
In September 2000, I was waiting for a flight at the Tucson airport when Candrea walked by. He asked where I was going.
"To Australia for the Olympics," I said.
"That’s where I’m going, too," he said.
Although he was not part of the Team USA staff, Candrea talked about the possibility of coaching at future Olympic Games.
"That’s something that interests me," he said. It was the no-brainer of no-brainers.
In 2004, Candrea coached what Sports Illustrated referred to as "The Real Dream Team" to a gold medal in Greece. With UA All-Americans Jennie Finch, Leah O’Brien Amico and Lovieanne Jung playing vital roles, Team USA outscored all Olympic opponents 51-1.
The son of a New Orleans jazz musician — a baseball player who grew up idolizing New York Yankees superstar Mickey Mantle — Candrea’s journey from small-town Casa Grande to the top of the softball mountain ended in June when he retired.
Coach Mike Candrea talks with Jennie Finch, Caitlin Lowe, Chelsie Mesa and Taryne Mowatt following a game between the National Pro Fastpitch All-Stars and the Wildcats at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2010.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star 2010
"I do not think people understand the level of play you see today in college softball," Candrea said at his retirement press conference at McKale Center.
“My next venture is to try and get people from around the country, the world and the NCAA to realize they have a special product."
From softball coach to softball ambassador. It's a role that Candrea should hit out of the park.
Photos: University of Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea, who announced his retirement
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Coach Mike Candrea takes a moment to gather his thoughts a press conference at McKale Center on June 8, 2021.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
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Coach Mike Candrea talks with two former players, K'Lee Arredondo, left, and Cyndi Duran, before start of his retirement press conference at McKale Center on June 8, 2021.
Mamta Popat, Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona Head Coach Mike Candrea walks with the wildcats in a huddle after Arizona's loss to Florida State in 2021 Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City on June 5, 2021.
Rebecca Sasnett, Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea with senior catcher Karen Koebensky during practice in 1988.
Mari A. Schafer, Arizona Daily Star 1988
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University of Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea during practice in 1988.
Mari A Schafer / Arizona Daily Star
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Athletic director Jim Livengood, right, introduces University of Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea during a ceremony honoring the team's fourth NCAA National Championship at Hillenbrand Stadium on May 28, 1996.
Brian Winter / Arizona Daily Star
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Legendary University of Arizona baseball coach Jerry Kindall greets his equal in University of Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea during a ceremony honoring the team's fourth NCAA National Championship at Hillenbrand Stadium on May 28, 1996.
Brian Winter / Arizona Daily Star
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UA softball head coach Mike Candrea (left) and UA golf head coach Todd McCorkle were both vying for national championships in 2000.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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Coach Mike Candrea consoles Leticia "Lety" Pineda after a tough loss to Fresno State in the College World Series in 1998.
Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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Coach Mike Candrea with Jennie Finch, Caitlin Lowe, Chelsie Mesa and Taryne Mowatt following a game between the National Pro Fastpitch All-Stars team and the Wildcat softball team at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2010.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
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University of Arizona coach Mike Candrea hugs senior Samantha Quintero during a special senior recognition ceremony after the game against Oregon State on at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2004,.
Max Becherer / Arizona Daily Star
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Coach Mike Candrea hits grounders to the infielders and pitchers including Jennie Fench during the 2000 Women's College World Series.
Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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UA coach Mike Candrea talks to Toni Mascarenas after Arizona lost to the Oklahoma Sooners and were eliminated from the 2000 Women's College World Series.
Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona coach Mike Candrea is showered with water Monday, May 28, 2001, after his team defeated UCLA, 1-0, in the NCAA Division I Softball championship game in Oklahoma City.
JERRY LAIZURE / Associated Press
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Arizona softball head coach Mike Candrea, right, talks with left fielder Autumn Champion during the fourth inning against Tulsa at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2005.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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Coach Mike Candrea talks with an NCAA official about a questionable call at first base that ended the game 1-0 in favor of Tennessee in the 2006 College World Series in Oklahoma City.
James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
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Pitcher Taryne Mowatt hugs coach Mike Candrea after Arizona beat Tennessee in Game 2 of the 2007 Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
James S. Wood, Arizona Daily Star 2007
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Arizona head coach Mike Candrea shares a few words with pitcher, Kenzie Fowler after the Wildcats beat Tennessee 5-2 to advance to the championship finals at the 2010 Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
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Head coach Mike Candrea cheers with his team after they beat Tennessee in game 3 of the championship series at the 2007 College World Series held in Oklahoma City.
James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
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Mike Candrea rides on the shoulders of American players including former UA All-American Jennie Finch, center, after winning the 2004 Olympic title game. Candrea, who took a year off from coaching the UA to guide the U.S. women, lost his wife, Sue, in July after complications from a brain aneurysm.
Eric Gay, The Associated Press 2004
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Mike Candrea chats with Sarah Akamine at the end of the fifth inning during the championship game against UCLA at the 2010 Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
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Coach Mike Candrea tosses grounders to infielders during the first day of practice on January 12, 2009 at Hillenbrand Stadium.
Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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UA softball coach Mike Candrea, with wife Tina, keeps track during selection day of where his team will be placed for the first round of the 2012 NCAA Softball Tournament.
Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona's heas coach Mike Candrea kisses injured pitcher Sarah Akamine during 2010 senior day.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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Head coach Mike Candrea argues with an NCAA softball official after Caitlin Lowe was called out at second trying to steal against Mississippi State in the 2007 NCAA Regionals at Hillenbrand Stadium.
James S. Wood / Arizona Daily Star
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Coach Mike Candrea watches as Kristie Fox slides safely into third for a triple as Oregon State University third base Sherina Galvan waits for the ball in 2007.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
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UCLA coach Sue Enquist is cracking-up as she is answering questions about funny things that happened to her and her team this year as UA coach Mike Candrea smiles during a Q&A session at the 2003 Women's College World Series.
Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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Mike Candrea talks with starting pitcher Shelby Babcock in between innings against Arizona State at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2011.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona head coach Mike Candrea takes a moment to think during the first game of the 2005 NCAA Women's College World Series in Oklahoma City.
Greg Bryan / Arizona Daily Star
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Mike Candrea takes a moment to gather his thoughts before talking to his team after a loss to Arizona State at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2011.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
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UA first baseman Baillie Kirker is congratulated by Mike Candrea after a two-run homer in an NCAA Regional game against Texas Tech in 2011.
Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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UA head coach Mike Candrea isn't happy with his team in the top of the third inning against Oklahoma in the 2011 NCAA Super Regional at Hillenbrand Stadium.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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A silk rose is placed behing home plate at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2006 in honor of head coach Mike Candrea's wife, who died of cancer.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona head coach Mike Candrea has a hard time finding the words as he tries to talk to his team following their loss to Oklahoma 5-2 in the 2011 NCAA Super Regional game. This was only Arizona's second time in 24 years to not advance to the College World Series.
David Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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UA softball head coach Mike Candrea leans down and kisses the cheek of his shortstop player Michelle Churnock as she lies on a stretcher after breaking her leg in a double play situation against South Florida in 1999.
Benjie Sanders / Arizona Daily Star
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Head coach Mike Candrea watches his players batting during a practice at Hillenbrand Stadium on January 23, 2020.
Mamta Popat / Arizona Daily Star
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Head coach Mike Candrea gets his players to smile during warm-ups at the University of Arizona Wildcats softball practice at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2017,
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
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Head coach Mike Candrea hits fungo to outfielders during the University of Arizona Wildcats softball practice at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2017.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona coach Mike Candrea reacts after Arizona outfielder Mandie Perez (55) got hung up between bases and thrown out a third against Southern Utah in the bottom of the fourth inning of the opener of both the Hillenbrand Invitational and the Wildcats season at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2016.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona shortstop Kellie Fox (29) fist bumps head coach Mike Candrea as she rounds third after a first-inning home run during the University of Arizona vs. UTEP softball game in 2014.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona's Hannah Martinez (2) gets a congratulatory fist bump from coach Mike Candrea after lacing a two-RBI triple against Kent State in the fourth inning of their game in the Wildcat Invitational at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Cedric Dempsey, left, the former University of Arizona athletic director has a laugh with UA softball coach Mike Candrea as they await the introduction of Dave Heeke as the athletic director in 2017.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
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Mike Candrea trots onto the field with his Wildcats for pre-game fielding drills before a game against South Dakota at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2018.
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star 2018
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Arizona Mike Candrea talks with starting pitcher Taylor McQuillin (18) after the Wildcats gave up three runs to New Mexico State in the sixth inning of their game at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2018.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona head coach Mike Candrea unsuccessfully tries to will Katiyana Mauga back to the bag ahead of the tag by Oregon third baseman Jenna Lilley (0) after she overran the bag at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2017.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona coach Mike Candrea watches a batter during their Pac-12 game against UCLA at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2016.
Ron Medvescek / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona Mike Candrea sprays ground balls to his infielders as the Wildcats prepare to face Oregon State at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2016,
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona outfielder Katiyana Mauga bumps fists with head coach Mike Candrea as she rounds the bases following a three-run homer during the first inning of the University of Oregon vs. University of Arizona Wildcats in 2015.
Mike Christy / Arizona Daily Star
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Coach Mike Candrea kisses softball stand out Katiyana Mauga, the school's record setting hitter, during the first-ever University of Arizona student-athlete convocation in Tucson on May 11, 2017. Around 95 students received their degrees with all the pomp and circumstance inside the McKale Center in front of family and friends.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona's coach Mike Candrea watches as Chelsea Suitos slides safely into third as Minnesota's Sam Macken catches the ball in the first inning during second game of the NCAA regional championship game at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2015.
A.E. Araiza / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona third baseman Katiyana Mauga (34) exchanges high-fives with head coach Mike Candrea after ripping a solo homer to put the Wildcats up 1-0 against South Carolina in the third inning of their NCAA Regional game at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2017.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona head coach Mike Candrea reloads to hit another ground ball while working out his infielder just before first pitch against South Carolina in their NCAA Regional championship game at Hillenbrand Stadium in 2017.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Former Arizona Wildcat Jennie Finch says Candrea remains “a second father to us all.”
Kelly Presnell, Arizona Daily Star 2019
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Arizona softball coach Mike Candrea meets coach Clint Myers at the fence in Auburn, Ala., in 2016.
Zack Rosenblatt / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona's head coach Mike Candrea listens from dais during a press conference the day before the games start in the NCAA Women's College World Series, Wednesday, May 29, 2019, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona's head coach Mike Candrea tracks the game from his perch at the end of the Wildcats bench against Washington in their first round game on the opening day of play in the 2019 NCAA Women's College World Series.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona's head coach Mike Candrea meets his infield in the circle as the Wildcats try to stem the bleeding in wild top half of the the seventh inning that ended with them down 6-1 to UCLA in their winner's bracket game on day two of the 2019 NCAA Women's College World Series.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Players cheer as Arizona head coach Mike Candrea dances during a rain delay in their NCAA softball regional game against Ohio State Friday, May 20, 2016 in Knoxville, Tennessee. The game was called due to inclement weather.
Wade Payne / thepurplelens.com
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Arizona's players gather around head coach Mike Candrea just before taking the field against Mississippi in Game 2 of the NCAA Super Regional at Hillenbrand Stadium, May 25, 2019.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star
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Arizona head coach Mike Candrea watches his Wildcats warm up in the final moments before first pitch against New Mexico State at Hillenbrand Stadium, Tucson, Ariz., April 9 2021.
Kelly Presnell / Arizona Daily Star