Arizona Softball: Mike Candrea will be done when he’s ready

As Arizona Softball enters the long off-season following a heartbreaking end at the Women’s College World Series, could Mike Candrea soon be done?  

It was a fun past few weeks for Arizona Softball as the Wildcats blew through the Tucson Regionals and the Super Regionals. However, Mike Candrea and the Wildcats saw their run cut short on Saturday afternoon after dropping their first two games at the Women’s College World Series, officially ending their season.

Unfortunately, as the Wildcats were navigating through yet another deep postseason run, there have been growing talks about Candrea’s future in Tucson.

Arizona Wildcats

Now 65, Mike has been doing this for a long time. Taking over the Arizona program back in 1986, he quickly rose to stardom as the game of softball slowly began to popularize over the coming years/decades.

Guiding the Wildcats to the Women’s College World Series in 1988, 89, and 90, finally, the Wildcats would breakthrough, earning their first Title in 1991, which would become one of many in the program’s illustrious career.

As Candrea has been a big part in revolutionizing the sport, he and the Wildcats have set the standard for success, and there is more parity in the sport now more than ever.

With the disparity in talented programs being less today than it was 35 years ago, could the man who has seemingly done it all soon be done with coaching?

Over recent weeks, there has been growing speculation as to whether the infamous Arizona skipper will soon be done. However, as Candrea and the Wildcats walked off the field at the infamous ASA Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma City, now isn’t the time to discuss the issue.

The Wildcats and in particular Candrea will have quite a bit of time to sort this all out, and after an illustrious career, the man deserves time to figure it out and walk away on his own accord.

“When that day comes, I will do it on my own terms and make that decision,” Candrea said. “Right now I’m not in any position. Right now I feel bad for these kids. I will let it all absorb and go from there.”