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CoSIDA.com/ThankYourSID
This feature is part of our series of profiles showcasing members throughout the CoSIDA membership during the celebration of CoSIDA Membership Recognition Week for 2020-21. See more features at CoSIDA.com/ThankYourSID.
Candace Johnson – Ohio State University, Assistant Director of Athletic Communications
by Danielle Potts – CoSIDA Intern
Candace Johnson is in her fourth year as Assistant Director of Athletic Communications at Ohio State University. Johnson made stops at Howard University, the University of Connecticut, the Atlantic Coast Conference and Coppin State University before arriving at Ohio State. Johnson received her bachelor's degree in sports management from Guilford College in 2014 where she worked as a sports information assistant all four years.
Johnson cutting down the net after UConn won the 2016 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship. She was the secondary women’s basketball contact during the Huskies’ NCAA run.
What is your most memorable moment in your athletics career?
CJ: Being a part of the 2016 NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship with UConn. I was on the staff as the secondary communications contact doing a lot of work behind the scenes. After the players and coaches cut down their pieces of the net, the team called me over to cut my own piece. That was the moment I felt like they recognized my efforts and appreciated what I had done throughout the year.
Share one tip on mental health and wellness that you are mindful of as you create a successful work-life balance.
CJ: I’m still trying to figure out my work-life balance but setting boundaries has helped my mental health tremendously. It’s really easy to get caught up in the grind of this profession and lose track of taking care of yourself while you’re taking care of coaches, student-athletes, media, etc. I’ve learned that it’s okay to unplug and take time for myself. That email or text can wait until the morning.
With Ohio State football student-athletes at the 2019 College Football Awards show.
Who are some of your mentors?
CJ: There’s no way I’d be where I am today without Dave Walters (formerly of Guilford) and Rob Knox (UNC Greensboro). I worked for Dave as an undergraduate for four years. Those two have done so much for me, especially when I was just starting out. They were there to guide me but still let me figure some things out on my own. It’s nice to see how my relationships with them have shifted from mentee to friends, knowing I can talk to them about more than work.
Once you’re finished with work for the day, what do you enjoy doing?
CJ: Coming home, lighting a few candles and listening to music. I like to give myself time to just sit and be still.
What has been your recent binge worthy TV show/Netflix series/Podcast and why?
CJ: Bridgerton and The Queen’s Gambit both resulted in me staying up way too late. I tell myself I’ll just watch a few episodes but then something happens and I fall down the rabbit hole. Both were definitely worth it.
Johnson with CoSIDA Second VP Jess Poole (now at Chicago State), Kenisha Rhone (Belmont) and CoSIDA Past President Rob Knox (UNC Greensboro) at the 2016 CoSIDA Convention.