Anastasia Candia Officially Named Rutgers Gymnastics Head Coach
CITY — May 10, 2025 —
Anastasia candia has been officially named the head coach of Rutgers gymnastics after an incredible season. Candia’s promotion comes after serving as the interim head coach since January, guiding the team to their first NCAA tournament appearance in over a decade. the proclamation solidifies a new era for Rutgers gymnastics, wiht Candia at the helm, poised to build on the program’s recent achievements. Read on for more details about rutgers’ exciting next steps.
anastasia candia Officially Named Head Coach After Historic Season
May 10, 2025
overview
rutgers gymnastics has officially appointed anastasia candia as its head coach, removing the interim tag after a record-breaking 2025 season [[2]].
- candia had been serving as acting head coach as january.
- the scarlet knights achieved their first ncaa tournament appearance since 2014.
- the team posted its third-highest score in program history at the big ten championship.
- candia was named the women’s collegiate gymnastics association (wcga) region 3 head coach of the year [[1]].
a new era begins
anastasia candia’s journey to head coach is marked by dedication and a deep connection to rutgers gymnastics [[3]]. taking the reins in january,candia quickly steered the team toward unprecedented success.
the scarlet knights not only secured their first ncaa tournament berth in 11 years but also achieved a program-best score at the big ten championships.
a legend’s endorsement
chrystal chollet-norton, who served as rutgers gymnastics head coach for 26 years (1987-2011), expressed immense support for candia. chollet-norton recruited candia to rutgers in 2011 and has followed her career closely.
having recruited tasia in 2011 to attend rutgers as a member of our gymnastics program, i saw her outstanding qualities as a gymnast and individual. even though i retired in 2011 i continued to watch tasia become an outstanding member of the gymnastics team and then followed her career as a college coach.
chrystal chollet-norton, former rutgers gymnastics head coach
chollet-norton also highlighted candia’s coaching abilities:
she [anastasia] is an outstanding technical coach but also has excellent leadership skills which has helped her to become the grate coach she is today. i am excited for her and the team in the upcoming seasons.
chrystal chollet-norton, former rutgers gymnastics head coach
breakout year
under candia’s leadership, rutgers gymnastics achieved notable milestones:
- first ncaa championships appearance since 2014.
- recorded a score of 196.225 at the big ten championships, the highest as joining the conference in 2015.
- anastasia candia named wcga region 3 head coach of the year [[1]].
award-winning staff
candia’s success is also attributed to her strong coaching staff. danielle demarco and michael rosso were named wcga region 3 assistant coaches of the year, highlighting the collective strength and expertise within the program [[1]].
demarco competed alongside candia at rutgers in 2012 and 2013, showcasing the deep-rooted connections within the coaching team [[3]].
frequently asked questions
- when was anastasia candia appointed head coach?
- april 23, 2025 [[2]].
- what was rutgers gymnastics’ record-breaking achievement?
- first ncaa tournament appearance since 2014.
- who is chrystal chollet-norton?
- former rutgers gymnastics head coach (1987-2011) who recruited candia.
- what award did anastasia candia receive?
- wcga region 3 head coach of the year [[1]].
