Indiana Wesleyan Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Candace Moats recently hit the 1,000th win milestone in her coaching career in the win against Goshen College on Oct. 2.
Moats is in her 23rd season at IWU and 41st overall. She was the Head Coach at Crown College from 1984-1995 and the Head Coach at Grace College from 1995-2002 before being named the Head Coach at IWU in 2002.
“God has always led the way in my coaching career. He puts mentors in my life to help me understand that coaching was my calling,” Moats said. “The greatest blessing of all has been all the young women that He has faithfully put into my path to mentor, walk alongside, and watch how He changes their lives in the four years I share with them.”
5th-year Senior Martina Demarchi has played under Coach Moats all five seasons. Demarchi has had much success being NAIA All-American Honorable Mention, AVCA All-Region 1st Team, All-Crossroads League 1st Team 2x, and Crossroads League All-Freshman Team, along with being a National Champion.
“Coach Moats is a fearless leader that will keep the team’s best interest at heart. Hitting 1,000 wins in a coaching career is an outstanding feat,” Demarchi said. “She pushed me to be a better person and player and helped me getting closer to God with her wisdom and love for the Lord.”
Within Coach Moats’ time at IWU, she has earned 11 Crossroads regular season championships, 16 Crossroads tournament championships, 29 All-Americans, and 18 trips to the NAIA National Tournament.
“So many student-athletes have passed through the programs I have had the privilege to coach. Every single one of their commitments has contributed to this milestone,” Moats said. “Having reached this moment while coaching at IWU is an opportunity to say thank you for the privilege to coach such a talented group of quality ladies.”
Junior Marissa Mullins transferred into the IWU volleyball program her sophomore season and helped lead the team to a National Championship as well.
“Coach Moats’ milestone of achieving her 1,000th win shows how much dedication and passion she has for this program,” Mullins said. “Moats’ guidance and support have not only helped shape my journey in volleyball but also the values of teamwork and resilience.”
Coach Moats was named 2023 NAIA and AVCA Coach of the Year. She has four NCCAA National Coach of the Year awards and six Crossroads League Coach of the Year awards as well.
“With no question, the greatest memory will be the 2023 undefeated season that ended in the NAIA National Championship,” Moats said. “I will never forget that moment with those girls and coaches.”
Coach Moats and IWU Volleyball currently sit ranked No.9 nationally and are 19-2 overall in the 2024 season.
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