Gymnastics Coaching Triumph: Rutgers Staff Recognized as WCGA Regional Coaches of the Year
PISCATAWAY, N.J. – A monumental achievement has sent ripples of pride through the Rutgers gymnastics community! Acting head coach Anastasia Candia has been honored as the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association (WCGA) Region 3 Head Coach of the Year, while assistant coaches Danielle DeMarco and Michael Rosso have earned the title of WCGA Region 3 Assistant Coaches of the Year. This exciting recognition comes as the program celebrates its 50th anniversary!
A Historic Season for the Scarlet Knights
The 2025 season marked a turning point for Rutgers gymnastics, as the team clinched their first NCAA Regional Championships berth since 2014, boasting an impressive NQS (National Qualifying Score) of 195.890. The highlight? A fantastic 196.225 performance at the Big Ten Championships, showcasing their best showing at this prestigious meet since joining the Big Ten in 2015.
Unprecedented Achievements and Record-Breaking Scores
In a season that will be remembered for its unrivaled accomplishments, the Scarlet Knights delivered three of the program’s top eight scores in history. The dynamism of this season was further highlighted by two of the top six bar scores and two of the top nine beam scores achieved by the team. With a total of 16 victories, this season marks the most wins for Rutgers since 2014.
The team showcased impressive talent at the NCAA Regional Championships, with three standout individuals: Delaney Adrian, Gabrielle Dildy, and Rachael Riley. Notably, Riley tied the school record on the beam with a stellar score of 9.950, while Adrian captivated audiences with a season-high all-around score of 39.300. Dildy also made waves, scoring four impressive 9.9s, including three on beam and one on floor.
A Bright Future Ahead
This year’s lineup was also particularly promising, with eight underclassmen contributing to the Big Ten and NCAA Championships lineups—comprised of five freshmen and three sophomores. The blend of experience and youthful exuberance bodes well for the future of Rutgers gymnastics.
Fans and supporters can stay connected with the Scarlet Knights as they continue to soar. Follow Rutgers gymnastics on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Don’t forget to download the Scarlet Knights App for Apple or Android to catch all the latest updates!
In conclusion, the recognition bestowed upon Coach Candia and her dedicated staff fuels an exciting future for Rutgers gymnastics, underlining their status as a growing powerhouse in collegiate efforts. With dedication, talent, and the spirit to defy odds, the Scarlet Knights are just getting started!
