Scarlet Knights’ fans, buckle up—Rutgers Gymnastics is riding a wave of momentum like never before. The 2025 season marked a historic turning point, with the team punching its ticket to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2014, a feat that electrified the base and put the program back on the national map. The Scarlet Knights didn’t just compete—they soared, earning their first NCAA Tournament berth in over a decade. Behind this resurgence is a coaching staff steeped in Rutgers pride.

Led by newly minted head coach Anastasia Candia, a Rutgers gymnastics alumna (2012-15) who’s been a fixture on the coaching staff for seven seasons. Named acting head coach mid-season, Candia didn’t just keep the team afloat—she led them to a Big Ten win and that coveted NCAA appearance. Her efforts earned her the 2025 WCGA Region 3 Head Coach of the Year award, a testament to her impact.

On April 27, 2025, Rutgers made it official, removing Candia’s interim tag and naming her the permanent head coach. “I’m honored to represent my home state of New Jersey and alma mater,” Candia said, her pride palpable. But what sets her leadership apart, and why is her staff so unique? Candia’s coaching crew is a rarity in college gymnastics.

“I don’t think there is another coaching staff in gymnastics in this country that has so many alumni on staff. That is something to be proud of in itself,” she declared.  Alongside Coach Candia, you’ve got assistant coaches Danielle DeMarco, Michael Rosso, and Stephanie Zannella, and they all share a pretty strong Rutgers connection. It’s worth noting that DeMarco and Rosso actually picked up WCGA Region 3 Assistant Coaches of the Year honors back in 2025, which highlights the impact they’re having.

“It’s so nice to be able to be on the same page with the people that you’re working with,” Candia added. “It makes coming to work not seem like work.” This shared history fosters a synergy like it’s a family. But how does this translate to the gym floor?

A New Era Dawns

Looking at the bigger picture, with Candia’s arrival and the established staff idea for Rutgers Gymnastics, it suggests a stable and ambitious program moving forward. The 2025 season wasn’t just a one-off; it looks like they built something real. With the backing of interim AD Ryan Pisarri and a fanbase that’s clearly locked in, Rutgers Gymnastics is gearing up to mix it up with the big names in the Big Ten in 2026.

Candia’s got a clear focus: represent Jersey strong and keep the program trending upwards. That alumni-heavy staff, all on the same page and emphasizing the mental side of the sport? That could give Rutgers a real advantage in the tough Big Ten battles. Can this team build on their historic run and make Jersey Mike’s Arena a gymnastics fortress?

Well, Candia’s approach goes beyond perfecting routines; it’s about building confidence. “You can have the best talent in the world, but if they’re not believing in themselves, that makes the difference,” she emphasized. Yeah, that focus seems to have really turned things around, especially after the issues the program went through previously. So, looking ahead, you’ve got to wonder if this revitalized energy can translate to chasing those NCAA dreams.

With a coaching staff this invested in the program’s success, it definitely feels like Rutgers Gymnastics is turning the page and heading in a new direction. It looks like Candia and her staff have really flipped the script. They are showing that when a team believes and pulls together, big things can happen. And maybe even some new records can be added to the vault.

You can feel the buzz building with the 2026 season just around the corner. With Candia leading the charge and that Rutgers-through-and-through staff backing her up, it feels like the Scarlet Knights aren’t just hoping for a breakthrough anymore. No, they’re going out there to make it happen. Will 2026 be the year Rutgers cements its place among gymnastics’ elite? One thing’s for sure: Scarlet Knights Nation will be watching every flip, twist, and landing.