Bryant Ward completed his 10th season on UCLA’s staff in 2025, serving as the Bruins’ assistant coach/recruiting coordinator while also leading the infield unit, overseeing the hitters, and running the offense. Since arriving in Westwood in 2015 after five seasons in the same role at Loyola Marymount, Ward has helped UCLA to consistent postseason contention. The Bruins’ 2025 campaign showcased his imprint on both sides of the ball: UCLA shared the Big Ten regular-season crown, won 48 games, swept through a home Regional and Super Regional, and returned to the Men’s College World Series. The Bruins finished seventh nationally in fielding percentage (.982) and led the nation in double plays (66). Shortstop Roch Cholowsky authored a historic season under Ward’s guidance, sweeping Big Ten Player and Defensive Player of the Year honors and becoming the first UCLA player—and first sophomore—to win the Brooks Wallace Award as the nation’s top shortstop.
Ward’s recruiting and player-development track record is among the best on the West Coast. During his tenure, UCLA has gone 329-203-1 and produced 28 drafted position players, including a program-record run of three straight first-round position players: Michael Toglia (2019), Garrett Mitchell (2020), and Matt McLain (2021). His classes have been nationally ranked every year, highlighted by Baseball America’s No. 1 recruiting classes in both 2021 and 2023. Offensively, UCLA set or approached modern program bests after Ward became hitting coach in 2018, with top-25 national rankings in doubles, on-base percentage, and runs, and a power surge that fueled the record-setting 52-11 season in 2019. A former East Carolina standout, Ward continues to pair elite evaluation with clear developmental pathways that translate into wins, pro prospects, and a high defensive standard.
