Brian Kitamura

Brian Kitamura has been a member of the Walla Walla Valley community for nearly two decades. He has worked in education throughout his professional career with Walla Walla Public Schools, WSU Gear Up in both Walla Walla and College Place, Walla Walla Community College, and Whitman College.

In May of 2015, Kitamura was named Head Baseball Coach and Lecturer of Sports Studies, Recreation, and Athletics at Whitman College after serving as an assistant coach for five years. Since taking the helm of the baseball program, the Blues have become a perennial title contender in the Northwest Conference. Kitamura brought the program to new heights in 2019, guiding the Blues to the program's first Northwest Conference tournament title and first ever NCAA Tournament appearance. He has led Whitman baseball through one of its most successful stretches in college history and, while doing so, has increased access for kids in the Walla Walla Valley through events like Whitman's annual free Little League camp and jamboree as well as pre-season clinics for local players.

Kitamura is passionate about the Friends program, its mission, and the positive impact that it has on the lives of children. He resides in Walla Walla with his wife and three kids.