Softball Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez interviewed in UCLA Magazine

This month's edition of UCLA Magazine (April 2011, page 54) features a short but excellent interview with Head Softball Coach Kelly Inouye-Perez ('93).  The interview gives a preview of some of the key players on the 2011 squad as well KI-P's thoughts about the Bruins' outlook for 2011.  You can see the article here.

The interview shows that KI-P is very well grounded in the correct U.C.L.A. culture.  Writer Paul Feinberg astutely notes in their conversation

...she barely mentions "winning championships"...preferring to focus on things like the family-school-then-softball philosophy; representing "The Four Letters" and a paraphrased John Wooden guiding principle: "Create a masterpiece each and every day."

As we have seen many times at U.C.L.A., focus on those off-the-field priorities has translated to success on the field.   There was a learning curve for KI-P in her first few years as head coach.  But clearly her principles have provided a strong foundation for her team, which has reclaimed its position among the very elite programs in the country.  

"No one remembers who the heroes were, but we all remember what {winning the title felt like].  That was the big thing about 2010 - it felt very familiar.  It felt like UCLA softball."

KI-P knows that the history of success with the softball program creates constant pressure and high expectations, but she chooses to embrace the opportunity to maintain that excellence. 

We are fortunate to have KI-P at the head of the softball program, and look forward to her teams representing the Four Letters this season and in the years to come. 

The softball team is 21-5 on the season and currently ranked #7.  The Bruins begin Pac-10 play this weekend when Oregon State comes to Easton Field on campus.  Everyone should get out to the stadium and support our team.  Go Bruins!