Mike Candrea announced his retirement Monday after 36 years coaching softball at Arizona.
Candrea ends his career as the winningest softball coach in NCAA history. He led Arizona to 34 consecutive postseasons including 24 trips to the Women’s College World Series.
He also coached the United States women’s softball team to a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics and a silver medal at the 2008 Olympics.
Candrea’s retirement has led to an outpouring of celebration and reflection from the college softball world, ranging from former players of his at Arizona to competing players and coaches.