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U.S. Olympic softball coach has
meaningful message for Scots
Release Date:
March 17, 2008
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U.S. Olympic softball coach Mike Candrea takes time out from his coaching duties to pose with the Monmouth College softball team while the Fighting Scots were in Arizona for their spring break games. Candrea led the U.S. to the softball gold medal in the 2004 Summer Games. |
MONMOUTH, Ill.
—
The Monmouth College softball team got an unexpected treat at
last week’s tournament in Arizona. The Fighting Scots had the
opportunity to meet with U.S. Olympic coach Mike Candrea, who also
coaches the defending national champion Arizona Wildcats.
Part of the field at the Tucson Invitational Games, the Fighting
Scots attended the opening ceremonies, where Candrea took time out
from preparing the U.S. national team for the 2008 Olympics in
Beijing to welcome the teams and their fans. The veteran coach
reminded those in attendance that there is more to life than
softball. He encouraged players, coaches and fans to enjoy life. His
advice was simple – “Do not let a day pass without telling those
around you, you love them.” Candrea knows that life is short, as his
wife, Sue, died suddenly just weeks before the 2004 Summer Games.
For one Monmouth player, Candrea’s message was especially
meaningful. Senior catcher Kristin Bickett (Malden, Ill./Princeton)
had missed practice the week prior to the spring break games to
attend her grandfather’s funeral.
“His message about not knowing when you might lose someone really
touched me, especially since I had unexpectedly lost my grandfather
a week before we met Candrea,” she said. “His story of losing his
wife just prior to the Olympics and persevering was pretty
inspiring. He is an inspiration to many female athletes, especially
softball players. I know that I will remember his message for a long
time to come.”
One of the most successful and revered coaches in the softball
world, Candrea’s openness to the Division III players impressed
Scots coach John Goddard. “For being so well known, he was very
gracious and accommodating,” he said. “He didn’t have to stop and
pose for pictures with us, but he did.”
Following the brief photo shoot, Goddard and assistant coach Hank
Shimmin spent a few minutes chatting with the coaching legend.
Candrea’s courtesy touched the Scots coaching staff, and his message
touched a player’s heart.
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