UCLA's Kelly Inouye-Perez becomes winningest softball coach in program history

Inouye-Perez surpasses predecessor Sue Enquist's 887 career victories to set new UCLA record

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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UCLA softball coach Kelly Inouye-Perez has become the winningest coach in the history of the storied Bruins program, surpassing predecessor Sue Enquist's previous record of 887 career victories. Inouye-Perez, who played for Enquist and won three NCAA championships as a Bruins player, now has 888 wins after leading UCLA to back-to-back victories on Friday.

Why it matters

Inouye-Perez's milestone achievement cements UCLA's status as the most successful college softball program in NCAA history, with the Bruins and their coaches combining for 2,226 all-time wins and 13 national championships - both records. Inouye-Perez's sustained excellence over two decades as head coach has helped maintain UCLA's tradition of excellence in the sport.

The details

Inouye-Perez passed Enquist, who coached the Bruins from 1989-2006 and won six NCAA titles, after the No. 8 Bruins logged a 15-12 victory over No. 4 Florida on Friday. Enquist presented Inouye-Perez with a crown to commemorate the achievement. Inouye-Perez, who has guided UCLA to NCAA championships in 2010 and 2019, remains the only person to win an NCAA softball title as both a player and a coach.

  • On February 28, 2026, Kelly Inouye-Perez became the winningest coach in UCLA softball history.
  • Inouye-Perez surpassed predecessor Sue Enquist's previous record of 887 career victories.

The players

Kelly Inouye-Perez

The current head coach of the UCLA softball team, who has led the Bruins to two NCAA championships and is now the winningest coach in program history.

Sue Enquist

The former head coach of the UCLA softball team, who won six NCAA titles from 1989-2006 and previously held the record for most career victories in program history.

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What they’re saying

“It was really special. I never really count numbers, but I didn't really know why she was there. But it was very special to have her and Kirk Walker there, who recruited me and helped build this program.”

— Kelly Inouye-Perez, UCLA Softball Head Coach (The California Post)

“I'm proud that we have done everything we can to sustain this tradition of excellence. There is no program that has sustained it over six decades like UCLA softball, and that is my goal — to create the same opportunity that I had as a student-athlete, to be able to get after some big games and opportunities to win championships, but it's more than that. We're proud of the degree, and I'm building strong women and the ability to continue to do that on this big stage means that the brand of UCLA softball is still something that brings value.”

— Kelly Inouye-Perez, UCLA Softball Head Coach (The California Post)

What’s next

Inouye-Perez and the Bruins will look to continue their successful season, with games scheduled against BYU and Seattle on Saturday.

The takeaway

Inouye-Perez's record-setting achievement cements UCLA's status as the premier college softball program, with a rich history of excellence spanning over six decades. Her sustained success as both a player and coach has helped maintain the Bruins' tradition of winning championships and developing strong student-athletes.