UCLA Softball Coaches Propel Team to Historic Offensive Success
UCLA’s softball program is making waves this season, thanks in large part to head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez and associate coach Lisa Fernandez. As the Bruins gear up for the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, they are armed with an impressive record of 200 home runs in a single season and an astonishing 34 appearances in the World Series.
Megan Grant, a senior outfielder and one of the standout players on the team, credits her success to the support and guidance provided by Inouye-Perez. "She does a really great job with just keeping me neutral," Grant explained, emphasizing how the coach helps her navigate the pressures of the game. Inouye-Perez’s approach is about fostering a mindset where players can learn from failures and focus on each pitch without the burden of past mistakes.
In her 20th year with the program, Inouye-Perez has led UCLA to championships in 2010 and 2019, making her the only NCAA softball player to win a title both as a player and a coach. Meanwhile, Fernandez, who has dedicated 28 years to coaching at UCLA, specializes in hitting, which has proven crucial to the team's success as they lead the nation in several batting categories, including average and on-base percentage.
Grant acknowledges the hard work she and Fernandez put in together, stating, "We work all day after practice hours together," showcasing the dedication that drives their offensive prowess. Notably, underclassmen like redshirt freshman Aleena Garcia are also stepping up, having set a single-game RBI record earlier this season.
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