Dawn Staley Celebrates UCLA Coach's Title Victory

South Carolina coach praises longtime friend and rival Cori Close after UCLA's championship win.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 12:05am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the celebratory energy of a women's basketball championship, with overlapping planes of bright colors representing the collaborative spirit of the sport.Two championship-winning coaches share a moment of mutual respect and mentorship, despite their teams' fierce rivalry on the court.Phoenix Today

Ahead of the NCAA women's basketball national championship game, UCLA head coach Cori Close reflected on the mentorship and support she has received over the years from South Carolina coach Dawn Staley. The two coaches have faced off numerous times as rivals, but Staley has also invested time in Close's development as a leader.

Why it matters

The relationship between Staley and Close highlights the collaborative nature of women's basketball, where top coaches often mentor and support each other despite being competitors on the court. Their mutual respect and investment in each other's success speaks to the values of the sport.

The details

Close, who led UCLA to the national title, said Staley has 'invested in me' and been a mentor to her over the years. The two coaches have built a close friendship despite being rivals in the highly competitive world of women's college basketball.

  • The national championship game took place on April 6, 2026.

The players

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, who won the national championship in 2026.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team, who has mentored Close over the years despite being a rival coach.

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What they’re saying

“Dawn Staley has invested in me over the years. She's been a mentor to me, and I'm grateful for her support.”

— Cori Close, UCLA Head Coach

The takeaway

The relationship between Staley and Close demonstrates the collaborative spirit of women's basketball, where top coaches support each other's development and success despite being fierce competitors on the court.