Local product Candace Smith, formerly Candace Wilson, returns to the Akron staff for her fourth season after a standout playing career at Central Michigan University. The Central Hower High School graduate currently serves as the team’s director of basketball operations.

Smith handles all the day-to-day business operations of the team with a primary focus on travel coordination and community outreach projects.

“Candace is very organized and another member of our staff who brings youth and enthusiasm to the table,” said UAhead coach Jodi Kest on the day of Wilson's hiring. “Additionally, she can relate to our players after having a successful playing career at Central Michigan.”

Smith, who was a four-year letterwinner with the Chippewas, averaged 10.2 points and 4.0 rebounds as a senior while posting a team-high 3-point field goal percentage of .398 (41-for-103), which was the eighth-best mark in the Mid-American Conference.

For her career, the sharp shooter netted 34.9 percent (97-for-278) of her attempts from beyond the arc for fifth on CMU’s all-time list. She also made her mark from the free throw line, finishing second in the record books by hitting 172-of-211 career attempts (.815). 

As a student-athlete, Smith was active in a number of community projects and belonged to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Divine Order Gospel Choir.

Smith received her business administration degree from Central Michigan in May of 2008 and her Master's of Business Administration from Akron in May 2011. She currently resides in Akron with her husband, Kenny.