Arizona Softball head coach Mike Candrea tallies another win, but this one puts him among the all-time greats.
When we think of great coaches at the University of Arizona, most fans go straight to Lute Olson. It is highly unlikely that any one is going to argue with what Olson accomplished while patrolling the sidelines at the McKale Center. Some might even say Dick Tomey, who had some glorious years while leading the Wildcats out on to the field at Arizona Stadium. Arizona Softball head coach Mike Candrea secured himself among these greats with his 1,600 win against Stanford.
His resume speaks for itself and not many coaches can hold a candle to what this man has accomplished. It includes winning the Pac-10 or Pac-12 depending on the years 11 times. Not only that he has brought 8 National Championships back to Tucson.
Arizona Wildcats
His teams have also made the NCAA Softball Women’s College World Series 22 times since he has been coach. During a time span of 1988-2003 his team went dancing 16 consecutive years in a row. If that is not enough they had another impressive run of 5 years in a row from 2005-2010.
Now he puts another feather in his cap as he collects win 1,600. He is only the second coach in NCAA softball history to reach this milestone. Also, he is fastest coach in any NCAA sport to earn 1,600 victories!
Candrea first arrived on the campus of the University of Arizona back in 1986. He took what learned from his coaching experiences at Central Arizona and built upon them as he has now built a national softball powerhouse in Tucson.
Mr. 1⃣6⃣0⃣0⃣!
— Arizona Softball (@ArizonaSoftball) April 20, 2019
One of only two in NCAA softball history to do it. Here's to many more, Coach.#BearDown pic.twitter.com/pyNdwZih5X
Currently this team is on a 20 game winning streak and sitting at 15-0 in the Pac-12. They are currently in first with the UCLA Bruins chasing close behind. There latest series vs the Stanford Cardinal was a clean sweep finishing off the series with a 13-2 win. Next the Cats will look to take down the Cal Golden Bears who look to pump the breaks on the Wildcats winning ways.
Wildcat fans, you wanted a winner and you have one! This softball team is a force to be reckon with. Make sure to get those tickets and head down to cheer on these lady Cats as they look to make another historic run! As always BearDown and Go Cats!