UCLA's Cori Close Seeks First NCAA Title

Veteran coach aims to lead Bruins to elusive women's basketball championship.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 11:42am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

UCLA women's basketball coach Cori Close is seeking her first NCAA championship after over a decade leading the Bruins program. Close has guided UCLA to the Final Four three times but is still looking to capture the school's first women's basketball national title.

Why it matters

Close is considered one of the top coaches in women's college basketball, but a championship has eluded her and the Bruins so far. Winning an NCAA title would cement Close's legacy and provide a major boost for the UCLA women's basketball program.

The details

In her 12 seasons as UCLA's head coach, Cori Close has led the Bruins to the NCAA Tournament 10 times, including three trips to the Final Four in 2017, 2022, and 2025. However, UCLA has fallen short of the ultimate prize, never winning the national championship. This year's Bruins squad is considered one of Close's most talented, led by All-American guard Charisma Osborne and a deep supporting cast.

  • Close is in her 12th season as UCLA's head coach, taking over the program in 2014.
  • The Bruins have reached the Final Four three times under Close's leadership, in 2017, 2022, and 2025.
  • The 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament is scheduled to take place in Phoenix, Arizona from March 27 to April 6.

The players

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, who is seeking her first NCAA championship after over a decade leading the program.

Charisma Osborne

An All-American guard and the leading scorer for the 2026 UCLA Bruins women's basketball team.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I don't know why I was on the call(s), but I'm glad I was because it brought awareness to the issue and it led to some positive change.”

— Cori Close, UCLA Women's Basketball Head Coach

What’s next

The Bruins will look to advance through the NCAA Tournament and reach the Final Four in Phoenix, where Close will have another chance to capture her first national championship.

The takeaway

Cori Close has built UCLA into a consistent women's basketball powerhouse, but the elusive NCAA title has remained out of reach. This year's Bruins squad may be Close's best chance yet to finally cut down the nets and cement her legacy as one of the top coaches in the sport.