Instead of pushing for high intensity, new assistant coach Candace Archer is concentrating on building community this season as San Francisco State University prepares to hit the track.
Archer’s background, both in running and coaching track and field, is part of the reason she was hired after former assistant coach Maria Anderson’s departure last season, according to head coach Tom Lyons. Archer was previously the assistant coach for Bowling Green State University in 2024 and a part-time coach for Columbia University two years prior.
Before her time at BGSU, Archer assisted in many All-Ivy conference performances and helped with a win for the 2022 Indoor Women’s Distance Medley Relay at Columbia.
“I love coaching because I love seeing the runners being rewarded and watching them grow,” Archer said.
Lyons spoke on how the athletes have reacted to Archer’s coaching.
“She’s fitting in well, her experience has helped us out a lot and she and I are working together well so far,” Lyons said. “The athletes seem to like her, and her experience in the sport has made the transition easier.”
Archer has only been with the Gators for a month, but she has already made an impact on the team.
“She’s doing great, she’s very smart and since I’ve been here a while, I have more knowledge on what I’m doing and what works for me,” said senior runner Dominic Clima. “She’s very helpful at saying, ‘That’s a good idea’ or, ‘You can switch it up like this’ and I’ve done that and it’s worked for me.”
Senior runner Yuridia Corona explained how Archer brings a new perspective and angle on coaching, putting the players’ self-care above their performance.
“Our last coaches put us into workouts by now, and [Archer’s] more like, ‘You don’t have to worry about that right now. You guys can wait a little bit and just take care of yourselves,’” Corona said.
Archer’s journey on the track began in high school where she ran the 100-meter, 200-meter and 400-meter sprints in track until her senior year, where she switched to cross country. Archer didn’t think she was going to continue in the sport after high school.
“I enjoyed the longevity of the sport. Being a part of a community is special,” Archer said. “You don’t get that a lot in your life, so when you get to be a part of that, it’s something you want to hold on to.”
A student athlete for six years, Archer competed in the Big 12 conference 1000m run and distance medley relay at West Virginia University. She graduated from WVU with a degree in strategic communications and continued her education, obtaining a master’s in coaching and sports education. Her motivation to coach is to help people reach their full potential.
“I wanted to continue to see other people’s journey, to see their work pay off and see what they’ve accomplished,” Archer said.
Archer said she is excited to see how the Gators will perform throughout a long season, wanting to make sure the team has their best competitions in May.
While coaches have different techniques and approaches when it comes to running, Archer prioritizes the athlete’s recovery, emphasizing the longevity of the sport.
“Training philosophies vary from coach to coach, and it’s cool to see,” Archer said. “Because both teams are successful and both teams have different approaches.”
With the season slowly approaching, Archer emphasized all the hard work her athletes have put in to get ready.
“I’m super excited for the season, the kids have put in so much work,” Archer said. “Little things like strength training and recovery have made the team stronger and I’m excited to see it in full display.”
With Archer’s leadership on the sidelines, the Gators are ready to start their track season on March 6 with the Golden Gate Track Fest at Cox Stadium.
