Moats Reaches 1,000-Career Wins
MARION, Ind. — Indiana Wesleyan University Head Volleyball Coach Candace Moats made history Wednesday evening, earning her 1,000th career win. Moats reached this milestone in her 41st season, with 23 of those years at Indiana Wesleyan. Boasting a career win percentage of 73%, Moats has led the Wildcats to 11 regular season Crossroads League championships, 16 Crossroads League tournament championships, and 18 NAIA tournament appearances. During her tenure at Indiana Wesleyan, she has developed 29 NAIA All-Americans, secured one NAIA National Championship, and captured two NCCAA National Championships.
"1000 wins is a number that is truly hard to comprehend," said Director of Athletics Deane Webb. "It represents a lifetime of Coach Moats serving student-athletes, years of sustained success, and truly giving back to God the gifts that He has given her. We're all proud of her and thankful that she has served faithfully for so many years!"
2023 NAIA Player of the Year, Eva Joldersma stated, "This is a huge accomplishment!" "Coach Moats is always pushing us to be the best we can be on and off the court. I am thankful to have a coach who cares about us growing spiritually and as people just as much as she cares for the success of our program."
Moats never set out to be a coach once her playing days were over; it was her college coach who encouraged her to take over the program at Crown College, where her first coaching stop saw her claim two NCCAA national championships. Reflecting on her journey, Moats acknowledges that sometimes God's plans do not match up with our plans. "God has been faithful to me," Moats said. "He has led me to where I needed to be and put the people I needed in my life to get me to 1,000 wins." Throughout her coaching journey, Moats credits her mother for being a mentor by instilling in her the values of great character and working well with people, including student-athletes and support staff.
Near the end of her time at Crown College, Moats felt that despite her comfort in where she was at that God had other plans for her. She began to sit under a tree every day on the campus for a daily devotion, where she felt the call to embrace new opportunities by reflecting on Genesis 12. "The Lord had said to Abram, "Go from your country, your people and your father's household to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing."
Moats then transitioned to Grace College, where she earned two Crossroads League regular season championships and another NCCAA National Championship. In her final season at Grace, Moats led the Lancers to their only appearance in NAIA Tournament Pool Play.
Moats won 40 matches in her first season leading the Wildcats and claimed the Crossroads League tournament championship in each of her first seven seasons. In her 40th season and 22nd at IWU, Moats earned her first NAIA National Championship, culminating a perfect 38-0 season with the program's first Red Banner. The Wildcats dominated the regular season and Crossroads League tournament, winning 96 of their 102 sets. After defeating four NAIA Top 25 teams, they faced No. 1 Northwestern (Iowa) and their 2,300 fans in the title match at the Tyson Event Center in Sioux City, IA. Despite trailing 2-1, Moats orchestrated a thrilling comeback, leading her team to a 3-2 victory in only their second five-set match of the season.
"I will always be thankful for the opportunity Coach Moats gave me to start playing here as a walk-on, and for the way that she always pushes me to improve." Said junior Abbigail Porter. "Her dedication to the sport and to making our team better on and off the court is evident every day. This is an amazing accomplishment and we're all so happy for her!"
Moats expressed that Assistant Coach Dan Bergren has been instrumental in helping her build the Indiana Wesleyan volleyball program to where it is today by bringing a high level of knowledge and expertise, which has significantly contributed to the program's success.
"I have been playing for Coach Moats for the past five years, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities she has given me on and off the court," said senior Martina Demarchi. "She is a great leader, and she is one of the reasons Indiana Wesleyan University is such a successful program. The last couple of years, she has elevated our program to a whole new level, and last year's national title is a prime example. Thank you for everything you have done for me. Congrats on 1000 career wins!"
Moats stated, "I am thankful to God and all of the student-athletes, assistant coaches, and support staff that have fully committed to this program and helped me reach 1,000 wins."