Caitlin Lowe named Arizona softball coach following Candrea’s retirement

Arizona Wildcats softball has announced Caitlin Lowe as the next head coach after legendary head coach Mike Candrea retired Monday.

Lowe played under Candrea on the Wildcats squad from 2004-07, as well as on the silver medal U.S. Olympic Team in 2008. She still holds multiple records throughout Arizona softball’s record books: second in batting average (.446), fourth in hits (351), fourth in triples (12), seventh in runs scored (242) and first in stolen bases (156).

Lowe will be the seventh head coach in program history.

“Caitlin is special and she has continued that growth and success as the associate head coach for Arizona Softball,” Candrea said in a press release. “She is bright, a good communicator, understands what it takes having been there as an athlete, and the players love her.

“Without a doubt, Caitlin is the best person to continue the Arizona legacy into the future. She will be a superstar for many years to come.”

Lowe, a centerfielder, played professionally with the USSSA Pride before coming back to Tucson to join the legendary head coach’s staff in 2013. She joined the staff full time in 2015 and has served as the associate head coach for the last four seasons.

The new head coach will look to continue the success Candrea brought to Arizona softball, which made its 24th Women’s College World Series appearance last week.

“Coach Candrea has built a culture of excellence that puts his players at the forefront,” Lowe said. “He has shown us all what it looks like to fiercely pursue our passion.

“He has led this team with integrity, class, and the upmost humility. I could not have asked for a better mentor in this game and most importantly in life. I take great pride in carrying on the tradition of what it means to be an Arizona Wildcat.”

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