UCLA Grad Transfer Joshua Hahn Details Notre Dame Commitment
Joshua Hahn took a leap of faith in May as he entered the Transfer Portal after playing in 115 games for UCLA over the last four years.
It took just about a month for Hahn to find his next home as the future Notre Dame first basemen went public with his commitment to Shawn Stiffler and the Fighting Irish on Sunday afternoon.
“I spent four wonderful years at UCLA and I’ve spent my whole in Southern California and I wanted to broaden my horizons,” Hahn told ISD. “I wanted to check out a different part of the country and play some good baseball in the ACC.”
The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder might have spent his life on the West Coast, but Hahn was very aware of Notre Dame and the success the Irish baseball team has had over the last few years.
“Notre Dame has such a rich history through the university, athletics, football and baseball,” stated Hahn. “Last year, Notre Dame made the College World Series, so the program is going to compete every year and win a lot of ball games. I just loved the coaches I spoke to throughout the process and I think it’s going to be a pretty awesome time.”
Notre Dame’s master’s program was also a key piece to the puzzle for the Huntington Beach native.
“That was a big part of my decision,” explained Hahn. “To be able to use this last year of eligibility to work toward a master’s and that can help me in my career outside of baseball because that will end at some point. I wanted to set myself up for success and Notre Dame has a lot of connections.”
The Notre Dame coaching staff was also able to give a clear plan for his development on the field. Hitting coach Logan Robbins and Stiffler were able to build a quick relationship, but also showed him how they care for their players.
“We talked about a lot about hitting, playing first and being in the middle of the lineup,” Hahn said. “That’s what I wanted to hear. We talked about development from all the drills, the different equipment they have and how much they cherish the relationships with the players. They really care for their guys and it really spoke to me.
“I wanted to go to a program like that. I’m really excited to work with them and win some games out there.”
Hahn played a little bit of everything from infield to outfield and even pitched in 13 games over his four years at UCLA.
That said, Hahn is more than excited to come to South Bend to play first base as Carter Putz has departed the program and leaves a large hole in the Irish lineup.
“That’s kind of like my bread and butter,” stated Hahn. “That’s my spot. I’m really excited to hopefully be able to play every single day and contribute there and have some fun.”
Notre Dame’s staff not only gets an experienced player in Hahn, but a much-needed lefty bat. Hahn batted .256 for his career, including .326 in 2023.
“I just trust myself,” Hahn said of his approach at the plate. “I go to the plate with a certain approach looking to do damage and really helping my team win. It’s not about me, but it’s about the whole team and contributing to what I can do at that moment. That’s helped me have success throughout my career and hopefully, I can carry it forward.”
The decision to get out of his comfort zone takes some courage as Hahn won’t know a soul when he arrives on campus, but he’s trusting his thought process and what he’s heard from others around him.
“I honestly know zero people at Notre Dame,” laughed Hahn. “We have some family friends that have graduated from there in the past. There are a lot of people out here in Huntington Beach who are crazy about Notre Dame.
“I wanted to go to that culture. There are crazy Notre Dame fans spread out across the country and I want to be part of that. I’m looking forward to experiencing the culture of the school.”
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