UCLA Star Reflects on Final Four Loss, Looks Ahead

Lauren Betts breaks down what she learned from watching the heartbreaking defeat 10 times.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:40am

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A cubist, geometric painting in UCLA's blue and gold colors, depicting fragmented and overlapping shapes that represent the intensity and drama of a women's basketball game.A star player's emotional reflection on a heartbreaking loss inspires her team's determination to reach the pinnacle of college basketball.Phoenix Today

Lauren Betts, a star player for the UCLA women's basketball team, has watched the Bruins' 2025 Final Four loss to UConn 10 times. In an emotional interview, Betts discussed how important head coach Cori Close is to the program and her determination to get the team back to the Final Four to finish the job.

Why it matters

Betts' dedication to learning from the tough loss and her unwavering support for Coach Close highlight the resilience and team-first mentality that has made UCLA a powerhouse in women's college basketball. Her reflections provide valuable insight into the mindset of elite student-athletes striving for championship glory.

The details

After UCLA's heartbreaking loss in the 2025 Final Four, Betts has repeatedly watched the game footage, determined to learn from the experience and lead her team back to the national semifinals. In the interview, Betts grew emotional when discussing the crucial role that head coach Cori Close plays in the program's success, crediting Close's leadership and mentorship as instrumental to the team's development.

  • The 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Final Four took place in Phoenix, Arizona.

The players

Lauren Betts

A star player for the UCLA women's basketball team who is driven to lead the Bruins back to the Final Four after a heartbreaking loss in 2025.

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, praised by Betts for her leadership and mentorship of the players.

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What they’re saying

“I knew I just wanted to get back here again. This is not the end goal. We want to keep playing two more games.”

— Lauren Betts, UCLA Women's Basketball Player

What’s next

Betts and the UCLA women's basketball team will be determined to make a return trip to the Final Four and avenge their 2025 loss.

The takeaway

Betts' dedication to learning from defeat and her unwavering support for Coach Close exemplify the resilience and team-first mentality that has made UCLA a powerhouse in women's college basketball. Her reflections provide valuable insight into the mindset of elite student-athletes striving for championship glory.