SANTA CLARA, Calif. — The Santa Clara University baseball program will have a familiar face roaming the dugouts and practice fields this upcoming year, as head coach Rusty Filter announced the hiring of former Bronco, all-West Coast Conference honoree and professional player Jason Dicochea as the team's new assistant coach.
 
Dicochea played for Santa Clara for five years from 2017-21, and under Filter for four of those seasons starting with Filter's arrival on campus in 2018. Dicochea spent the latter part of his career as the Broncos' everyday shortstop, appearing in 185 games and hitting .291 with 38 career doubles, eight home runs, 108 runs scored, 84 RBIs and 19 stolen bases. He was named to the all-WCC second team and received WCC All-Academic Honorable Mention accolades as a senior in 2021.
 
"We're excited to add Jason Dicochea to our staff," said Filter. "As a first-generation Bronco Boy, Jason embodies all the characteristics that define our program and is bringing the knowledge, energy and values to help us continue to raise our level."
 
Dicochea most recently played professionally for four years in both the Pioneer and Frontier independent leagues, first with the Boise Hawks (2021), then with the Ottawa Titans (2022-24). He excelled as a professional, earning an all-star nod in 2023 with Ottawa while batting .290 over three years with a .359 on-base percentage, 51 doubles, 26 home runs, 126 RBIs and 130 runs scored. He hit .334 with 10 homers and drove in 66 in 72 games with Boise in 2021.
 
Dicochea's leadership qualities have been recognized for years. He was named Ottawa's first-ever team captain in 2024. Dicochea was also a captain for the Broncos during his career at Santa Clara.
 
Dicochea has roots in coaching as well. He developed the "Own Your Move" baseball LLC with Redondo Union High School teammate and current MLB pitcher Sean Reynolds back home in Redondo Beach, Calif. The organization gives back to the community they grew up in and helps develop talent to get youth to the collegiate or even MLB levels through lessons, clinics, camps, and showcases. Their organization also awards a $5,000 scholarship each year to a graduating high school senior in honor of Joe Dicochea, Jason's late father.
 
"It's incredible," said Dicochea about returning to his alma mater. "Santa Clara has always felt like a second home to me after spending five years here as a player and now getting to do it as a coach. I'm excited to see baseball from a new perspective and learn from Rusty on this side of the ball."