UCLA Women's Basketball Heads to Final Four

Bruins look to turn last season's lessons into tournament success

Apr. 1, 2026 at 2:05am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The UCLA women's basketball team departed Westwood on Tuesday, with a crowd of cheering fans sending them off as they headed to Phoenix for the Final Four. After a disappointing end to last season, the Bruins are confident they can apply the hard-earned lessons from that experience to make a deep tournament run this year.

Why it matters

The UCLA women's basketball program has a storied history, but has struggled to reach the Final Four in recent years. This season's tournament appearance represents an opportunity for the team to cement its status as an elite program and compete for a national championship.

The details

The Bruins are returning to the Final Four for the first time since 2018. Last year, the team was eliminated in the Sweet Sixteen after a heartbreaking loss. Head coach Cori Close believes the team has grown from that experience and is now better prepared to handle the pressure of the tournament.

  • The UCLA women's basketball team departed Westwood on Tuesday, April 1, 2026.
  • The Final Four is being held in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, who has led the program to consistent tournament appearances and is confident her team can learn from past disappointments.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Experience is such an important teacher, for me, as well as for [the team].”

— Cori Close, Head Coach, UCLA Women's Basketball

What’s next

The Bruins will face the winner of the other semifinal matchup in the Final Four on Saturday, April 5, 2026.

The takeaway

After years of falling short, the UCLA women's basketball team has an opportunity to break through and reach the pinnacle of college basketball. Their tournament experience, both positive and negative, has prepared them for this moment and has the program confident they can bring home a national championship.