UCLA's Super Senior Class Leads Bruins to Championship

Led by star center Lauren Betts, the veteran Bruins squad sets a new standard for the program.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 3:20am

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When former UCLA star Michaela Onyenwere returned as an assistant coach in 2025, she noticed a palpable shift in the energy and work ethic of the Bruins team. The squad's veteran leadership, anchored by super senior center Lauren Betts, has transformed the program's culture and propelled UCLA to a championship season.

Why it matters

UCLA women's basketball has long been a powerhouse, but this year's team, led by its experienced super senior class, has taken the program to new heights. The Bruins' championship run showcases the impact veteran leadership can have in elevating a team's performance and establishing a winning culture.

The details

Betts, a dominant 6'5" center, has been the driving force behind UCLA's success this season. Along with fellow super seniors Charisma Osborne and Gina Conti, Betts has instilled a relentless work ethic and championship mindset in the team. The trio has led by example, showing up early, staying late, and pushing their teammates to new levels of intensity and execution.

  • Michaela Onyenwere returned as an assistant coach in the 2025 offseason.
  • The Bruins' super senior class, led by Lauren Betts, Charisma Osborne, and Gina Conti, have led the team to a championship season in 2026.

The players

Lauren Betts

A dominant 6'5" center and the leader of UCLA's super senior class.

Charisma Osborne

A super senior guard who has helped transform the Bruins' culture alongside Betts and Conti.

Gina Conti

A super senior point guard who has been instrumental in UCLA's championship run.

Michaela Onyenwere

A former two-time All-American at UCLA who returned as an assistant coach in 2025 and noticed the shift in the team's culture.

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What they’re saying

“The way this team has embraced the hard and the work ethic and showing up early, staying late, it's definitely shifted the culture in a great way.”

— Michaela Onyenwere, UCLA Assistant Coach

What’s next

The Bruins will look to cap off their championship season with a victory in the NCAA Tournament final.

The takeaway

UCLA's super senior class, led by the dominant presence of Lauren Betts, has transformed the program's culture and set a new standard for excellence. Their relentless work ethic and championship mindset have propelled the Bruins to new heights, showcasing the impact veteran leadership can have in elevating a team's performance.