Candace Martin rejoined Alabama State Athletics in February 2025 as the Associate Head Coach and Director of Volleyball Operations. A proud alumna and Memphis, Tenn. Native, Martin brings a wealth of experience in collegiate athletics and volleyball operations to her dual leadership role within the Hornets’ program.
In addition to her coaching and operations responsibilities at ASU, Martin currently serves as the SWAC representative on the American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) Assistant Coaches Committee, contributing to national conversations around professional development, advocacy, and the advancement of the sport.
She is no stranger to ASU or the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). As a student-athlete at Alabama State University from 2014 to 2018, she was a standout volleyball player who helped lead the team to four SWAC championships. Her decorated collegiate career includes honors such as First Team All-SWAC (2018), SWAC Co-Player of the Year (2018), All-SWAC Tournament Team (2017), ASU Female Student-Athlete of the Year (2018), and the prestigious title of 2019 SWAC Woman of the Year. A proven leader on and off the court, Martin served as team captain for two seasons and held dual leadership roles as ASU SAAC President and SWAC SAAC President during her senior year.
After earned her bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy with a minor in Business Administration from Alabama State, graduating summa cum laude, she went on to earn a Dual Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Sport Business Management from the University of Central Florida. While at UCF, she served as a graduate assistant at The Institute for Sport and Social Justice, hosted Season 3 of the Invisible Women in Sport Zoomcast, and interned with Special Olympics International.
Prior to returning to Alabama State, Martin spent two years at the SWAC office as Assistant Director for Championships and Operations. In that role, she assisted with planning and execution of conference championships and events, managed daily operations, and oversaw the SWAC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and SWAC Volunteer Program.
Martin also brings valuable experience from national sports organizations, having completed internships with the NCAA as a Championship Operations Postgraduate Intern and with the Indianapolis Colts as a Gameday Operations Intern.
With deep ties to Alabama State and a strong background in operations, leadership, and player development, Martin is committed to elevating the Hornets’ volleyball program while continuing to mentor and inspire the next generation of student-athletes.
