Candy Finn-Rocha Q&A (Fall/Winter 2017)
From 1979-82, Candy Finn was a standout for both the field hockey and women's lacrosse teams. Actually, "standout" sells it far short.
She led the lacrosse team to two national championships and the field hockey team to another. More than a multiple-year All-American, she was named the nation's best women's lacrosse player twice and the best field hockey player once.
These days she's Candace Finn Rocha, a married mother of three and an accomplished professional who lives in Rye, N.H. and works in business development for Infor, a global software company. She was also an accomplished coach and has served as a field hockey and lacrosse official for years.
What is your first memory of Penn State?
I remember the first time I visited campus to meet with Coach Gillian Rattray. Her office was in the White Building and I passed by the trophy case and photographs of Penn State's female student-athletes, coaches and administrators hanging in the hallway. I was in awe. There were so many strong and accomplished women recognized by the University. I became anxious and it took a few minutes before I had the courage to knock on Coach Rattray's door! But, as soon as I walked in her office and we began to talk I immediately felt as though Penn State was the place for me. I wanted to be a Lady Lion and hoped that Coach Rattray would feel that I could contribute to the field hockey and lacrosse teams. I feel very fortunate that she did and grateful to have had the opportunity!
How do you think the role of a student-athlete has changed over the years since you competed?
Penn State student-athletes today are required to dedicate more time to their sport in order to be competitive. Overall, the talent at the collegiate level is better, student-athletes are stronger and faster, teams travel farther and seasons are longer. What remains the same is that Penn State student-athletes are leaders in the community, they are role models, they inspire others, they have spirit and are proud to represent Penn State.
How did competing as a student-athlete prepare you for life after college?
Playing sports prepares you for life's "ups and downs" by teaching you to remain poised under pressure, to stay on course and work hard to find a solution and way to achieve your goal.
If people enter your home, how long would it take them to know you're a Penn Stater?
People will know I'm a Penn Stater before they even enter my home — actually, as soon as they pull in the driveway. My husband gave me a new license plate for my birthday last year: PSU - LAX.
What is your proudest accomplishment(s) since leaving Penn State?
Being inducted in to the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1998, and in 2016 being the first female lacrosse athlete to win the Tewaaraton Legend Award. Also, prior to officiating, I coached lacrosse for 18 years and one of my players, Joanne Connelly, went on to be a star at Penn State, played for the U.S. national team and was recently inducted in the National Lacrosse Hall of Fame as well!
