The UCLA Bruins have completed a dominant season, finishing with 45 victories and a 24‑2 record in Big Ten play. Their recent sweep of Michigan State on May 1 cemented the conference regular‑season championship, capping a campaign that has seen them win three straight 40‑win seasons under head coach John Savage.
A Culture of Mentorship
Savage has built a program where upperclassmen serve as the backbone, passing knowledge to a younger core. Senior Payton Brennan notes that the older guys are actively mentoring the newcomers, ensuring the team's philosophy remains grounded despite the mounting success.
Key contributors include Roch Cholowsky, who is projected as the No. 1 pick in the upcoming MLB draft, and sophomore right‑hander Wylan Moss, who boasts a 5‑0 record and a 1.99 ERA across 13 starts. Junior first baseman Mulivai Levu, a multi‑year veteran, has also played a pivotal role in shaping the clubhouse atmosphere.
The Bruins' recent 9‑6 win over Oregon featured a game‑winning grand slam by outfielder Dean West, underscoring the depth of talent on the roster. As the team heads into the Big Ten tournament, they remain focused on staying present and avoiding the pitfalls of overconfidence, a lesson reinforced by a sports psychologist who has worked with the squad.