John Savage Shares Insights from His 22 Years as UCLA Baseball Coach
UCLA Baseball Team Aims for National Title
When scouting talent, UCLA baseball coach John Savage prioritizes commitment to the program’s culture alongside skill potential. After two decades of developing that culture, he emphasizes the importance of finding players who share his vision of success.
“We want people that fit into our program, that want to be a part of a winning culture,” Savage stated.
The current roster largely comprises players who fell short in last year’s College World Series. As the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, the Bruins (21-2 overall, 9-0 in the Big Ten) are focused on clinching a national title this coming June. Recently, they swept a three-game series against Maryland at home.
Savage discussed the team’s aspirations and the evolution of his coaching journey at UCLA in a recent interview.
Regarding managing expectations as the top-ranked team, Savage noted, “It’s really about the people you have in the clubhouse. They’ve been born and raised through our program. It’s been a work in progress, and I think the expectations are probably the heaviest inside our room.” He emphasized that his players hold each other to high standards, fostering a supportive environment that makes coaching rewarding.
Savage highlighted the team’s leadership, mentioning captains Roch Cholowsky, Cashel Dugger, Michael Barnett, and Jack O’Connor, who promote accountability among teammates. “Everybody’s a year older. Everybody’s a little stronger. A lot of guys that work extremely hard to upgrade their physicality,” he explained, adding that the team has focused on mental preparation as well.
Retention of core talent has played a significant role in the program’s success. “I would say loyalty, personal relationships, wanting to be at UCLA, to get a degree from UCLA…,” said Savage, noting that the absence of a national championship last year has created a shared motivation among the players.
Reflecting on last season’s nearing victory in Omaha, he remarked, “It’s something that if you experience, you want to go back. It’s the mecca of college baseball.” He explained that the allure of returning to Omaha drives the team’s commitment.
With UCLA now competing in the Big Ten after transitioning from the Pac-12, Savage acknowledged the conference’s evolving competitiveness. “The Big Ten is getting better in baseball… but there’s a lot of programs that are investing throughout the Big Ten in baseball and it’s only going to get better,” he said.
Savage also addressed logistical challenges, noting that the team primarily flies commercially and that managing player schedules is an ongoing effort.
As he enters his 22nd season leading the Bruins, what motivates him to evolve continuously? “I love being at UCLA. It’s just an elite combination. Winning is really, really difficult, especially now at the Power 4 level,” he remarked.
Savage aims for his players to leave the program equipped for success in any future endeavor. He expressed hope that they embody qualities of leadership, vision, and contribution, ultimately aspiring to make a positive impact in their lives and those of others.
UCLA Men’s Basketball Ends Tournament Run, Women’s Team Prepares for Big Test
The UCLA men’s basketball team faced a disappointing end to their season after a 73-57 loss to No. 2 seed UConn in the NCAA tournament. After maintaining a close contest early on, with only a five-point deficit at halftime, the Bruins were unable to overcome UConn’s powerful interior game.
Coach Mick Cronin will now focus on regrouping the team and preparing for next season. Notably, despite critiques of his aggressive coaching approach, he guided the players to significant defensive improvements over the last few weeks of the season. Cronin is expected to cultivate the same level of commitment from the incoming roster.
In sharp contrast, the UCLA women’s team, holding a No. 1 seed with a record of 32-1, is gearing up for a pivotal matchup against No. 8 seed Oklahoma State on Monday night at Pauley Pavilion. This game marks a significant moment for the team’s senior class, as it will be their final appearance at home.
Coach Cori Close provided insight into Oklahoma State’s strengths, particularly their shooting ability and versatility. “It’s going to be so important for us to make them play later into the shot clock, which is going to be easier said than done,” she acknowledged while emphasizing the analytics behind their defensive strategy.
As both UCLA teams face crucial moments in their respective seasons, the stakes are high for both the men’s and women’s programs moving forward.
