Kandyce Blocker was named the acrobatics and tumbling head coach in August of 2022. Blocker joins the Wingate family following a year as the assistant coach at Saint Leo University. The Fairmont State (W.Va.) student-athlete alumna begins her Wingate adventures on September 1.
During her year at Saint Leo, Blocker helped to oversee all aspects of a collegiate acrobatics and tumbling program. She was involved in recruiting student-athletes and monitoring the current team's academic progress. Blocker's efforts did not go unnoticed, as 17 Saint Leo student-athletes were named to the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association's (NCATA) Academic Honor Roll.
"As the sport of acrobatics and tumbling has historic moments, our Wingate program is thrilled for this historic moment of hiring Kandyce Blocker as our first head coach," Kish says. "We set out with the intention of hiring a head coach with acrobatics and tumbling student-athlete experience, NCAA DII coaching experience and the network, energy and passion to build our program – we found all of these attributes in Kandyce."
During her time as an acrobatics and tumbling student-athlete at Fairmont State, Blocker helped lead the Falcons to the first-ever Mountain East Conference acrobatics and tumbling championship in 2019. The same season, Fairmont State compiled a program-best 8-2 overall record with Blocker serving as a base and a tumbler. A business administration major, Blocker was named to the NCATA Academic Honor Roll.
Kandyce Blocker questions and answers
When did you realize you wanted to be a coach?
I have known since I was 13-14 years old that I had a passion to help others. I want to give others the guidance and direction I have received…so they can be the best they can be.
I remember gymnastics camps…when I would have the opportunity to lead young ladies…and I would have long talks with my mentor…and I realized I have always wanted to coach. Now with acrobatics and tumbling, I am getting this opportunity.
What attracted you to Wingate University?
Wingate's values…when I had to write about my values, I realized they aligned very closely with Wingate's values. When I read the athletic program's mission statement…I was very attracted to what Wingate offered…the school's values are very important, especially with its connections to the local community.
Everything I have read about Wingate's values…points to the fact the school wants to see its graduates succeed…while developing exceptional core values.
How did you get involved in acrobatics and tumbling?
During my senior year of high school, I was in-and-out of the gymnastics world…I had attended Division I gymnastics camps, including one at the University of Maryland, but I had come to the realization that my gymnastics career was coming to an end…and that I would need to try some different things, including competitive cheerleading.
I found Fairmont State University in West Virginia on one of my searches. They offered competitive cheer and dance as well. I learned later they offered acrobatics and tumbling…which contains many different programs under one umbrella…and honestly, my acrobatics and tumbling career took off from this point.
What qualities are looking for in a potential recruit?
I want someone who has the drive to succeed…from the moment they step on campus. They want to get better by doing this or doing that…desiring to separate themselves from the stagnant athlete…to develop into a difference maker. They want to continue to move and grow both inside and outside the athletic arena.
What are the attributes of a Kandyce Blocker-coached team?
Our student-athletes want to better themselves in every area…they possess the drive to push themselves to make this happen. These student-athletes are powerful individuals who spread their light through the Wingate University community like wildfire. They are motivated to be the best team on campus.
What They Are Saying
Janell Cook, NCATA executive director
"Kandyce is poised for a successful career in coaching. She knew early on she wanted to coach and diligently prepared herself throughout her time as a student-athlete at Fairmont State University. Coupled with her experience as an assistant at Saint Leo University, she is ready to take on her first head coaching role. Her experience, passion and professionalism will serve her well as she begins recruiting and eventually welcomes her first team in Wingate program history."
Kelley Kish, Wingate University director of athletics
"Kandyce is going to recruit dynamic and driven student-athletes in her own mold to build our program. We know this will lead the program to success in the classroom, in our community and in sport. With the growth of acrobatics and tumbling within the NCAA, Wingate's program will capitalize on Kandyce's experience and knowledge to develop a program in which we can all take pride. I am excited to watch Kandyce immediately impact our campus and department through her head coach leadership of our 25th DII sport!"
Kristi Kiefer, associate director of athletics, Fairmont State University
"From the moment Kandyce joined our team at Fairmont State, we could see she is a very mature individual. Kandyce is honest and professional in her dealings with others…giving us a glimpse of her ability to move forward to this point in her coaching career."
"As an NCAA-emerging sport, acrobatics and tumbling is seeing younger individuals in head coaching roles. This is good, particularly in Kandyce's case. She possesses the attitude and the sport knowledge to take this step. As we were mentoring her at FSU, we encouraged her to get her master's degree (at Saint Leo), so she could acquire more knowledge and experience, both on and off the mat."
"It is very evident Kandyce will have a strong support system (at Wingate). The time is right for her…she has the skill set to develop a new program. If Wingate gives her the tools and the resources, she will thrive."
Danielle Curti, head acrobatics and tumbling coach, Fairmont State University
"From my first encounter with Kandyce, I knew she was special. Kandyce is a hard worker and always thrived for more when she competed. She led her teammates into numerous performances, meets and championships like a true role model. Her work ethic on and off the mat is unmatched. She has what it takes to go far in this sport as a head coach, following the same trajectory she followed as a student-athlete. I am so excited to watch her grow in this new role. I have no doubt that Kandyce will lead this program to great heights. Wingate hit the jackpot with this hire! Fairmont State is so proud of her."
Wingate University acrobatics and tumbling
Wingate University added acrobatics and tumbling as the school's 25th intercollegiate sport in May. The University family will welcome the first acrobatics and tumbling team members to campus in the fall of 2023. The Bulldogs' first competition will occur in early 2024. In June, the Conference Carolinas welcomed Wingate as an associate member in the sport of acrobatics and tumbling. At present, 46 NCAA schools sponsor acrobatics and tumbling. Thirty-two of the 46 institutions are members of Division II, like Wingate. The Bulldogs are the ninth DII school in the Carolinas with the sport, joining South Atlantic Conference members Coker, Limestone and Mars Hill.
