Bio

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 in 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 2 Intro:

"In Part 2, Brian Kitamura takes us deeper into the day-to-day strategies behind Whitman’s success. He walks us through preseason preparation, the in-season drills that help his players stay sharp, and the importance of holding player meetings to foster both individual and team growth. Get an inside look at how Kitamura keeps his team performing at the highest level year-round."

Contact Information:

• Email: kitamubt@whitman.edu


• Phone: (509) 522-4438

Part 2: Time Stamps

• Discussion on the importance of regular meetings with players for communication and development.

• Overview of strategies and goals for the upcoming month and how they align with the season's objectives.

• Tips and best practices for managing practices during the season to maximize player performance and team cohesion.