UA softball coach Mike Candrea has been named the 1996 Speedline/National Softball Coaching Association's Division I Coach of the Year.

Candrea coached the 1995-96 Wildcats to a record of 58-9 and led the team to its fourth NCAA Women's College World Series championship since 1991. The UA women defeated Washington 5-4 in the championship game, marking the 10th consecutive time Arizona has made the NCAA Regional Tournament. This year's 50-win season was Candrea's fifth in six years. Candrea has been named Division I Coach of the Year twice. Along with these honors, Candrea distinguished himself as Pacific 10 Conference Coach of the Year fo ur times.

He will be recognized as Division I Coach of the Year Dec. 7 at the NSCA National Convention in New Orleans.