KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Indiana Wesleyan Head Women's Volleyball Coach Candace Moats has been selected as a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame Class of 2025-26. The NAIA announced the honor as part of its 2026 National Awards Day, which celebrates student-athletes, athletics personnel and sports teams from across the association for their dedication, exemplary character, and extraordinary accomplishments both on and off the field.

The Hall of Fame Award is the highest honor presented by the NAIA. Nominees must be of outstanding quality, high moral character and fine leadership ability, and must be held in high esteem by their colleagues, former coaches and former athletes. The Hall of Fame consists of an athlete and coach category for each sport currently or formerly sponsored by the NAIA, along with a category for general meritorious service.

Moats has had an immeasurable impact in her nearly 40 years as a head volleyball coach. Under her leadership at Indiana Wesleyan, the Wildcats captured back-to-back-to-back NAIA National Championships in 2023, 2024 and 2025, while also producing over 30 NAIA All-Americans. She has overseen 13 conference regular-season championships, 18 conference tournament championships and 20 appearances in the NAIA National Tournament. Her 1,000+ career wins make her a leader for the most wins in NAIA history, and her honors include several NAIA Coach of the Year nominations.

Moats' coaching philosophy reflects a commitment to servant leadership, character development and faith-centered mentorship. Her legacy is the culture she has built and the lives she has impacted. Her passion for the sport is infectious, along with her desire to better the institutions and those around her.

To view the full release from the NAIA, click HERE.

#