Titan Memories: Kandace Wilson – Scoring Dynamo

12/15/2025 10:00:00 AM | By: Kirk San Roman

The next time you're in historic Titan Gym, take a look at the large banner in the southeast corner. The woman in the orange uniform running furiously with a soccer ball at her feet is Kandace Wilson, one of Cal State Fullerton's most prolific offensive scorers.

Although it has been 20 years since the magical 19-4-0 season of 2005, when the Titan women's soccer team advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Soccer Tournament, Kandace Wilson, a three-time All-Big West first team selection, still remains in CSUF's career top-three in six offensive categories.

The fleet-footed Wilson came to Cal State Fullerton following a four-year varsity career at nearby Walnut High School, where she also ran track and played club soccer with the Santa Anita Strikers.

"Playing for the Strikers ended up being a really good move for my soccer career," Wilson explained. "I had the opportunity to play up a year as a starter with one of the top teams. When college coaches would scout older players, I was able to show out and be seen as well."

Recruited by then-Titan Head Coach Ali Khosroshahin, who had coached Kandace in youth soccer, Wilson chose Cal State Fullerton over several other universities. "My decision was based upon where my family could watch and support me the most."

A dual athlete at Cal State Fullerton, where she played soccer and ran track, Kandace remembered starting on the soccer team as a freshman: "It was a special accomplishment to be able to play alongside older girls, while being a huge threat in the game. I was only 17 when I started college, and didn't turn 18 until October."

When asked about some of her favorite "on the pitch" memories, Wilson listed two: "I am so proud to be a part of the best women's soccer team in Titan history. In 2005, we made it to the (NCAA) Sweet 16, but lost to Virginia Tech."

Said former teammate, Kellie (Cox) Newman: "None of what our team accomplished in 2005 happens without Kandace. She was the fastest player I ever played with or against. We always knew with Kandace on the field, we had a chance to score."

Kandace continued: "Another big highlight from track was being part of a school record-setting 4x400 meters women's relay in 2007." Wilson also ran the 200 m, 400 m, and 4x100 m for the Titans.

When asked about "off the pitch" memories, Kandace was effusive: "Some of my best memories were from hanging out with my soccer and track teammates, whether it was in class, the training room, or the grocery store. So many memories were made that are still brought up to this day. We laugh like it happened yesterday," Wilson said.

"Damien (Brown, current Titan head coach) made a huge impact on me from the moment he stepped onto the track to introduce himself. It was rare for anyone of color to coach soccer. Knowing he was going to be my assistant coach motivated me a lot."

When asked about her former teammates, Wilson replied, "I still keep in touch with a lot of girls from track and soccer. Social media makes it to where you never miss a beat as life goes on. I have so many internet nieces and nephews that I've never met but know so much about."

Recently, members of the 2005 "Sweet 16" team enjoyed a 20^th reunion at a Titans women's soccer game and were honored at midfield.

Kandace played professionally for three seasons in the WPS (Women's Professional Soccer) league. "I played for the FC Gold Pride in the Bay Area in 2009 and 2010. My first season ended when I broke my hip. The team didn't do that well either. But in 2010, we won the championship. Unfortunately, weeks after winning, we got the announcement that our team was folding.

"In 2011, some of my Gold Pride teammates and I were picked up by Buffalo, New York's Western New York Flash, where we also won a championship. So, I was a member of two back-to-back WPS championships."

Kandace (Wilson) Love currently lives in Murietta, Calif., where she is "blessed to work from home" in the pharmaceutical industry. "I have two overly athletic kids who participate in multiple sports. My 13-year-old daughter, Melly, is in soccer, flag football, and track. My 10-year-old son, CJ, plays tackle football, basketball, and runs track. They both do a lot of extra training on the side, so we're extremely busy on a daily basis. Every season of the year is busy," she laughed. "But it's so much fun being on the sidelines, watching them develop and accomplish goals."

"Kandace was an incredible teammate," Newman said. "She brought so much joy and laughter into our locker room, and never took herself too seriously.

"She's a legend, and probably could've played just about anywhere, but I'm glad she chose Fullerton."

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