Westmont Fall Report: Life After All-Americans and the Quest for Cary

The Westmont Warriors entered the 2025 season with a massive target on their backs as the 2023 NAIA National Champions, yet they navigated their first year of NCAA Division II postseason eligibility with the poise of a seasoned powerhouse. Under the leadership of Paul Svagdis, who earned PacWest Coach of the Year honors in 2025, the program posted a staggering 43-14 overall record.

The Warriors were clinical in conference play, finishing 1st in the PacWest with a 33-10 mark, securing both the PacWest Regular Season and Tournament Championships. Their dominance earned them the right to host the West Regional at Russell Carr Field, further cementing their status as a regional heavyweight. As Paul Svagdis enters his second season at Westmont with 851 career wins under his belt, the focus shifts to maintaining that championship culture despite significant roster turnover.

The Offense

The Westmont lineup faces a significant challenge this spring, returning only 33.6% of its plate appearances from a season ago. However, the cupboard is far from bare, particularly with the return of Jesse DiMaggio. In 167 ABs, Jesse DiMaggio hit .341 with 12 doubles and 10 HR while driving in 45 RBI. His performance was elite within the conference, ranking 14th in the PacWest in home runs and 12th in RBI, and his power potential has already started generating professional draft buzz. Joining him as a primary returning threat is Grant Yzermans, who in 183 ABs hit .317 with 13 doubles and 8 HR. Grant Yzermans was a constant threat on the bases, swiping 12 bags and ranking 9th in the PacWest for stolen bases.

The influx of new talent is headlined by Noah Williams, a high-impact transfer from CSU Pueblo. Last season, Noah Williams was a statistical force, slashing .374/.461/.709 with 15 doubles, 11 HR, and 51 RBI to go along with 24 stolen bases. His combination of plus speed and power should slot immediately into the middle of the order. The Warriors also look to the future with freshman Braydon Griffin, a shortstop out of San Pedro HS who brings plus arm strength and speed to the middle infield.

The Pitching Staff

On the mound, the Warriors return 52.7% of their innings, a solid foundation to build upon after a year where the staff led the team to a regional host site. Joey Rico returns as a vital two-way piece for the Warriors. As a pitcher, Joey Rico posted a 5-3 record with a 5.02 ERA in 75.1 IP, ranking 8th in the conference in K% and 3rd in total appearances. When he isn't starting on the mound, he is expected to remain in the lineup as the designated hitter. Caden Beloian is another returning veteran expected to take a step forward. Last year, Caden Beloian recorded a 3-3 record with a 3.45 ERA in 47.0 IP while serving as a versatile arm that earned 5 saves. His ability to compete with a three-pitch mix—fastball, changeup, and slider—will be crucial for the rotation.

The rotation will also see internal competition from two highly-regarded freshmen. Matt Vazquez, a Top 200 RHP in California by Perfect Game, arrives from Maranatha HS to compete for a starting role. He is joined by Nick Romero, a southpaw from Eastlake HS ranked as the 53rd best LHP in his class in California, who is also expected to push for weekend innings.

Key Departures

The 2025 success was fueled by several players who have since moved on to the Division I level. Ryan Humphreys leaves a massive void after being named a D2 Baseball Second Team All-American and the PacWest Pitcher of the Year. Ryan Humphreys was spectacular, posting a 12-1 record with a 2.45 ERA in 88.0 IP before transferring to Pepperdine. The Warriors also lost Zach Yates, a D2 Baseball Second Team All-American who served as a lock-down reliever with 13 saves and a 2.16 ERA in 41.2 IP before transferring to California Baptist.

Other notable transfers to California Baptist include Bryan Peck, who was Second Team All-PacWest with a 7-1 record and 4.01 ERA in 85.1 IP, and Bryce McFeely, a Second Team All-PacWest outfielder who hit .359 in 195 ABs with 13 HR and 55 RBI. Daniel Patterson (13 HR, 46 RBI) and Trey Dunn (15 HR, 49 RBI) also earned All-PacWest honors before departing for Pepperdine, while Shane Hofstadler and Michael Soper conclude their decorated careers after earning Second and Third Team All-PacWest honors, respectively.

2026 Schedule & Outlook

The Westmont Warriors begin their 2026 campaign at home on February 6th with a three-game set against Cal State San Bernardino, a team that finished 2025 with 29 wins in the competitive CCAA. The non-conference slate continues with a home-and-home series against Azusa Pacific, followed by a four-game series against Vanguard, a team that finished 2025 with a 28-22 record.

Conference play fires up as the Warriors look to defend their title. A critical four-game stretch in early April takes the team to Irvine to face Concordia Irvine, followed by home games against Jessup, the defending NCCAA Champions who posted 36 wins last season. The most anticipated matchup of the season occurs on April 17th when Westmont travels to San Diego to face Point Loma. Point Loma won 39 games in 2025 and reached the West Regional, making this a potential preview of the PacWest Championship. The Warriors will close their home schedule against Cal Poly Pomona and Menlo before hosting the PacWest Tournament starting May 6th, with their sights firmly set on returning to the NCAA DII West Regional on May 14th.

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