RIVERSIDE, Calif. – UC Riverside Baseball head coach, former Highlander pitching star and Major League Baseball pitching legend, Troy Percival, announced his resignation as head coach of the Highlanders, today, Wednesday, November 11, 2020. Coach Percival is leaving his post as head coach of his beloved Highlanders to spend time more time with his family and to guide and support his son Cole as he advances in his professional career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Cole Percival is one of many Highlanders in recent years to sign a Major League contract and joins the Dodgers, the same organization for which former UCR pitcher and two-time World Series winner, Joe Kelly, plays.
“Troy has been an integral part of what we are building with UC Riverside Athletics and has elevated our Baseball program,” said UC Riverside Athletics Director, Tamica Smith Jones. “We are happy for Troy and excited for Cole and wishing the entire Percival family all the best.”
“I’ve decided to watch Cole play as he begins his professional journey with the Dodgers,” said Percival. “Our family is incredibly excited about this next step in his career and I want to be there to support him. This is the right time for me to step down from my current position.”
Going forward, the team will be guided by Associate Head Coach, Justin Johnson, who will lead the program forward as he steps in as Interim Head Coach.
“I believe our team is in a good position going forward with Justin Johnson,” added Jones. “We are fortunate to have Justin positioned for this opportunity during these uncertain times. He has done a commendable job with our student-athletes over the years. He has a great approach and attitude and brings great energy to our program. We are confident he will do a phenomenal job leading our young men as ambassadors and competitors in the classroom and on the field.”
“Justin is a strong leader who has done an outstanding job recruiting our student-athletes and building our program over the past several years,” Percival added. “He has recruited the majority of our current student-athletes and our players have a great relationship with him. They trust Justin and I am excited to see him continue to build the program.”
“I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to coach this team and lead our program into the future,” said Johnson. “I want to thank our Athletics Director, Tamica Smith Jones and Chancellor Kim Wilcox for this incredible opportunity. Most of all, I would like to thank Troy Percival for all he has done for my career as a leader, mentor and friend. I am ready to step into this role and lead our student-athletes.”
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