Jeff Fruster and his wife, Candace, celebrated their ninth marriage anniversary in 2024.
D.W. Daniel High School announced Thursday, March 6, 2025, that Head Football Coach Jeff Fruster has decided to step down from his coaching role.
Highlights
- D.W. Daniel High School announced Thursday morning that football coach Jeff Fruster is stepping down from his position.
- Jeff Fruster married Candace Fruster on March 28, 2015. Candace taught ballet and choreographed at Artisan Dance and Fusion Dance Co.
- They were blessed with three children: Cayden, Maelee, and Jasmine. Cayden is a standout defensive back for Daniel High School’s varsity football team.
While stepping away from his head coaching role, Fruster will remain on the instructional staff at Daniel High School. Athletic Director Ben Touchberry said,
“Coach Fruster’s commitment to our student-athletes and the culture of excellence he has fostered will have a lasting legacy,” “We are incredibly grateful for his leadership and the countless hours he has poured into this program. Daniel High School and our athletic department have been extremely blessed to have gone on this incredible journey with Coach Fruster.”
Ben Touchberry
A Central native, Fruster grew up as a fan of Daniel Lions football and went on to play for the program as a student-athlete.
He was a member of two state championship teams (1995 and 1998) before graduating and returning to serve the school and community.
Fruster joined the Daniel coaching staff in 2006, working as a linebackers coach under head coach Randy Robinson and teaching business courses.
He later took on the role of head coach of the JV team and varsity defensive coordinator before being named head coach in 2016.
Over the last nine seasons, Fruster has led the Lions to six regional championships and three state titles.
His leadership helped cement Daniel’s reputation as one of South Carolina’s premier football programs.
Jeff Fruster And His Wife Candace Fruster Have Three Children
Former D.W. Daniel High School head coach Jeff Fruster tied the knot with Candace Fruster on March 28, 2015.
Candace Fruster wished Jeff a happy Valentine’s Day on February 15, 2021, through her Instagram handle. She wrote,
Thank you for always taking my hand & leading me through life with love. I appreciate you more than I’ll ever be able to show. Happy Valentine’s Day ❤︎
Candace Fruster
On March 28, 2024, Jeff and Candace celebrated their 9th marriage anniversary. Candace shared a glimpse of the celebration on her Instagram handle with the caption,
Today is our anniversary. As I look back and reflect on our marriage and all the blessings we have walked through together, I’m so grateful. Marriage is such an enormous gift, and I’m just incredibly lucky to have him by my side through it all. Happy Anniversary to us!
Candace Fruster
Candace was born to her mother, Beverly Turner. On December 21, 2024, she wished her mother a happy birthday through her official Facebook handle by stating,
Happiest birthday to my precious Mom!! There are a million sweet things I could say about her, but those of you who know her already know how amazing, kindhearted and fun she is. I’m forever grateful God chose her to be my mom. I’m a much better person because of her, that’s for sure. Still trying to top the birthday gift I gave her 11 years ago today (Jasmine). I don’t think I’ll ever be able to, but anyway — Happy, happy HAPPY birthday, Birdie June!!! You are SO VERY loved.
Candace Fruster
Beverly thanked Candace for the wish in the comment section. She wrote,
Thank you Candace. Thanks for the sweet comments! Yep, my best birthday gift from you was the birth of Jasmine!
Beverly Turner
Candace is originally from Seneca and studied marketing and communications at SNHU.
She taught ballet and choreographed at Artisan Dance from August 2010 to May 2012 and at Fusion Dance Co. from April 2012 to May 2017.
In addition, she is a team member at Monaghan, a Real Estate company.
Jeff Fruster And Candace Fruster Share Three Adorable Children
Before marriage, Jeff and Candace were blessed with their first child, a son named Cayden Fruster, born in 2008, who is 17-year-old as of 2025.
He is a standout defensive back for Daniel High School’s varsity football team in Central, South Carolina.
A member of the Class of 2026, Cayden plays as a cornerback (#17) and has demonstrated strong athletic ability on the field.
Previously, he played on Daniel High School’s JV team as both a wide receiver and a cornerback (#2) from 2021 to 2023.
Jeff and Candace welcomed their second child, a daughter, Maelee, 12, on December 7, 2012.
On December 7, 2024, Candace wished Maelee a happy 12th birthday through her Instagram and wrote,
HAPPY 12th BIRTHDAY, MAELEE!!!! 🎉🎉🎉 She’s kind, thoughtful, competitive, witty, compassionate, reserved, and extremely organized. She loves to read, bake and take naps. She puts others before herself and always does the right thing, especially when no one is looking.
Candace Fruster
They were blessed with their third child, a daughter named Jasmine, 11, on December 20, 2013.
On December 20, 2024, Candace wished Jasmine a happy 11th birthday through her Facebook handle with the caption,
HAPPY 11th BIRTHDAY, JAZZY!!! 🎉🎉🎉 It’s hard to believe that my baby girl is getting so big. From about age 3 to age 5, she started every single day by belting out “today is the day!” & running down the hall. Even though she doesn’t say that anymore, she still carries the same energy every single day of her life. This girl is a walking party & truly knows how to live big. I can’t wait to see where the good Lord leads her.
Candace Fruster
Additional Information
- In 2022, Jeff Fruster was named the Carolina Panthers High School Coach of the Year.
- Fruster ended his head coaching stint at Daniel with a record, including 84-6 in the last seven seasons.
- Daniel High School will now begin determining the next steps for its football program.
