Life throws curveballs, and for former University of Arizona softball champ turned coach, Candace Abrams, the latest pitch has her swapping dugouts for office desks. Tackling a role as an administrative assistant supervisor with Pima County's Health Department, Abrams is proving that leadership skills in sports can translate into the public sector. According to an article published by Pima County Newsroom, Abrams joined the department in October 2023 and now leads a team of five in the Consumer Health and Food Safety division.
It may seem to some like a surprising pivot from a sports-heavy background, but for Abrams, it was a natural shift. She told Pima County Newsroom, "Helping people and leading a team is always something that I've enjoyed and felt I'm pretty decent at." Her experience shines through in her new workplace, where she manages permits and inspections, along with navigating the occasional "unruly umpire" - her euphemism for the challenging complaints that come with the territory.
Before stepping up to the public service plate, Abrams was no stranger to accolades on the field. She played in 132 games for the Arizona Wildcats, helping secure three Pac-10 championships and a breath-stealing national championship during her stint. Despite being, in her own words, more of an "off-the-bench kind of girl," Abrams embodied the very essence of team spirit and determination that she carries with her to this day.
Abrams' dedication to teamwork and leadership was honed under the tutelage of legendary coach Mike Candrea, which she now applies daily to her Health Department role. In a previous interview with Pima County Newsroom, Abrams shared how Candrea's "5 Ps" — Proper Preparation Prevents Poor Performance — have influenced her work ethic. Balancing her new administrative responsibilities alongside the joys of family life, she continues to advocate for a team-centric approach to solving problems.
Transitioning from the thrill of coaching to desk work has been an adjustment for Abrams, but she hasn't left her passion behind. "I still worry about the kids that I've coached over the years. I think I always will," she said, reflecting on her enduring commitment to her players. Now, as a mother and a mentor to her staff, Abrams is enthusiastically taking on new challenges with a steadfast resolve, ensuring that her son Ripken and her Health Department team are both well-coached in their respective fields.
