Oct 16 2024 49 mins 4
Brian Kitamura has led the Whitman College Baseball program through one of its most successful eras in school history. Entering his 10th season as head coach and 15th year with the program, he has turned Whitman into a perennial contender. In 2024, Kitamura guided Whitman to its first Northwest Conference regular-season title since 1952, earning a 26-17 overall record and 16-8 in conference play. His leadership was recognized with the 2024 Northwest Conference Coach of the Year award.
Since taking over, Kitamura has led Whitman to the Northwest Conference Tournament four times in five seasons i n 2019, the team won its first-ever NWC Tournament and earned a berth in the NCAA Tournament, facing top-ranked Chapman University in a thrilling series.
Under his leadership, the program has also made strides off the field. Kitamura helped secure major upgrades to Borleske Stadium, including a new clubhouse and indoor training facility. His commitment to player development has seen many athletes continue their careers at the NCAA Division I level while excelling academically, with Whitman teams consistently maintaining a GPA above 3.0.
Part 1 Intro:
"On this episode, we sit down with Brian Kitamura, head coach of Whitman College baseball, as he shares insights from his journey leading the program through a historic era of success. We’ll dive into his experiences starting his 10th season as head coach, his thoughts on building strong teams through offseason player development, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned during challenging leadership moments."
Part 1: Time Stamps
01:00 - Offseason Install Period
- Discussion on the importance of the offseason for player development and team strategy.
09:00 - Fast Paced Drill Sets
- Explanation of drill sets designed to keep players engaged and improve skill acquisition.
14:00 - How to Teach Bunting
- Step-by-step guidance on teaching bunting techniques effectively.
23:00 - Player Ownership in Development
- Emphasizing the role of players in their own development and the impact of self-directed learning.
31:00 - “Our Success Has Come from Getting Feedback from Our Players”
- Insights on how player feedback contributes to coaching strategies and overall team success.
35:00 - Challenging Leadership Moments
- Reflections on difficult moments in leadership and lessons learned.
Contact Information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (509) 522-4438
