Rutgers Gymnastics Elevates Anastasia Candia to Head Coach
Rutgers University just named Anastasia Candia as the new head coach of its gymnastics program. It’s a big moment for the Scarlet Knights as they keep pushing their way into the NCAA gymnastics spotlight.
Candia, a Rutgers alumna and former standout gymnast, has spent the last seven years on the coaching staff. She stepped up as acting head coach in January 2025 and led Rutgers to its first NCAA Championships appearance since 2014.
Her leadership earned her the WCGA Region 3 Head Coach of the Year honor. You can read the full official announcement on Rutgers Athletics’ website.
A Homegrown Leader for Rutgers Gymnastics
Table of Contents
There’s something special about a program turning to one of its own. Candia’s journey from student-athlete to head coach shows her deep connection with Rutgers and her real dedication to gymnastics.
She competed for the Scarlet Knights from 2011 to 2015, helping the team break records during her years as an athlete. Now, she’s back to lead the team she once represented, bringing experience, passion, and plenty of Rutgers know-how.
Her appointment also highlights Rutgers Athletics’ focus on developing leaders from within. Interim Athletic Director Ryan Pisarri praised her ability to connect with student-athletes and her strong leadership throughout the 2025 season.
For Candia, this isn’t just a job—it’s personal. She’s on a mission to elevate Rutgers gymnastics on the national stage.
From Assistant to Head Coach
Candia kicked off her coaching career at Temple University. She joined the Rutgers staff in 2018 as an assistant coach.
She moved up to associate head coach in 2022, focusing on the balance beam squad. Under her guidance, that squad has rewritten the program’s record books.
Since 2020, Rutgers has posted 10 of its top 11 beam scores, including a school record of 49.400 set in 2023. Her technical skill and knack for developing athletes into top competitors have played a huge role in Rutgers’ rise.
She’s coached multiple NCAA Regional qualifiers, including Gabrielle Dildy and Rachael Riley in 2025. Standout alumna Hannah Joyner, the first Scarlet Knight to qualify for nationals on beam, also thrived under her coaching.
The Breakout 2025 Season
Let’s be honest—the 2025 campaign was one for the record books. Under Candia’s interim leadership, the Scarlet Knights snagged their first NCAA Championships berth in over a decade.
They clinched it with a 196.225 performance at the Big Ten Championships, their best showing since joining the conference in 2015. Rutgers also posted three of the top eight team scores in program history, two of the top six uneven bars scores, and two of the top nine beam scores.
The beam squad ranked No. 22 nationally, which says a lot about their technical precision and consistency. That’s no small feat on one of gymnastics’ toughest events.
Key Highlights from the Season
- First NCAA Championships appearance since 2014
- 196.225 at the Big Ten Championships – program’s best Big Ten performance
- Three of the top eight team scores in program history
- Top-25 national ranking on balance beam
- 16 victories – most since 2014
The coaching staff also got some well-deserved recognition. Assistant coaches Danielle DeMarco and Michael Rosso were named WCGA Region 3 Assistant Coaches of the Year, highlighting the team effort behind Rutgers’ historic run.
Building a Program for the Future
The 2025 season was a breakthrough, but Candia’s already thinking about what’s next. Her vision centers on keeping Rutgers successful in the Big Ten and nationally.
She’s big on building a culture of pride, discipline, and resilience—values that run deep in New Jersey and the Rutgers tradition. With a background in psychology, a master’s in counseling psychology, and ongoing doctoral studies in sport psychology, she brings a unique edge to athlete development.
Candia gets that success in gymnastics takes both physical skill and mental strength. She’s shown she can prepare her athletes for those high-pressure moments.
Developing Elite Talent
One thing Candia’s known for: nurturing talent and pushing gymnasts to their limits. She’s guided several athletes to podium finishes at the Big Ten Championships, including the program’s first-ever beam medals in 2021.
Book Your Dream Vacation Today
Flights | Hotels | Vacation Rentals | Rental Cars | Experiences
Her work with gymnasts like Joyner, Erin McLachlan, and Rachael Riley has set new standards for excellence at Rutgers. This focus on individual growth not only boosts the team’s standing but also attracts top recruits who want to work with a coach who has a real track record.
The Significance of Candia’s Appointment
In the world of NCAA gymnastics, Candia’s promotion sends a clear message: Rutgers isn’t settling for the middle of the pack anymore. They want regular NCAA Championship appearances and higher national rankings.
By trusting the program to someone who lives and breathes Rutgers—and has already delivered results—the university’s making a bet on long-term success. Her appointment also fits a trend: more schools are hiring former athletes who know their programs inside and out. That kind of insight often leads to stronger team bonds and a deeper sense of purpose.
Replacing a Respected Predecessor
Candia takes over from Umme Salim-Beasley, a respected figure in collegiate gymnastics. Transitions can be tricky, but Candia’s smooth move from associate head coach to acting head coach—and now to the top job—helps keep training philosophies and team culture steady.
This stability matters as Rutgers looks to build on everything they accomplished in 2025.
Looking Ahead: Rutgers Gymnastics in the Big Ten
The Big Ten is no joke—it’s packed with powerhouses like Michigan, Minnesota, and Ohio State. For Rutgers to compete at that level, they’ll need to keep improving in execution, difficulty, and consistency.
Candia’s shown she can deliver record-breaking performances, so the Scarlet Knights might just be ready to make that jump. Her leadership will also play a big role in recruiting top-tier talent, both from New Jersey and beyond.
With top-notch facilities, a supportive athletic department, and a growing reputation, Rutgers is becoming a pretty attractive spot for elite gymnasts.
What to Watch for in 2026
- Potential return to the NCAA Championships for a second consecutive year
- Continued dominance on balance beam with hopes for a top-15 national ranking
- Breakthrough performances on uneven bars and floor exercise
- Development of new standout all-around competitors
If Rutgers can keep building on their 2025 momentum, they might soon be a regular contender in the Big Ten—and maybe even a fixture at the NCAA Championships. Wouldn’t that be something?
Conclusion
Anastasia Candia just landed the head coach spot, and honestly, it feels bigger than a simple promotion. It’s the start of something new for Rutgers gymnastics.
She’s got real roots at the university. That, mixed with her technical chops and leadership, puts her in a great spot to guide the Scarlet Knights forward.
They’ve got a historic 2025 season to build on. Who knows—maybe Rutgers really is on the edge of a breakthrough in the sport.
If you want more on the announcement or Candia’s background, check out the official Rutgers Athletics release.