UCLA Women's Basketball Soars with Leger-Walker and Kneepkens

The Bruins' new transfers have elevated the team into title contenders

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:03am

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The UCLA women's basketball team has made the Elite Eight after a disappointing loss in last year's Final Four. Much of their success this season can be attributed to the arrival of transfers Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens, who have seamlessly integrated into the Bruins' veteran roster and taken on complementary roles to help the team reach new heights.

Why it matters

UCLA was already a strong program, but the additions of Leger-Walker and Kneepkens have transformed them into true national title contenders. Their ability to adapt to supporting roles while still making significant impacts on both ends of the floor has given the Bruins a new level of depth and versatility that makes them a tough matchup for any opponent.

The details

Leger-Walker and Kneepkens were the top scorers on their previous teams at Washington State and Utah, respectively. But with the talent-laden Bruins, they've embraced reduced shot attempts and facilitating roles. Leger-Walker is dishing out a career-high 5.7 assists per game, while Kneepkens has focused on defense and playmaking. Their selfless approach has unlocked new dimensions for the Bruins' offense and defense.

  • UCLA reached the Final Four last season before suffering a blowout loss.
  • This year, the Bruins are back in the Elite Eight with a chance to return to the Final Four.

The players

Charlisse Leger-Walker

A transfer from Washington State, Leger-Walker has embraced a pass-first point guard role with the Bruins after being the top scorer for the Cougars.

Gianna Kneepkens

A transfer from Utah, Kneepkens has taken on a complementary wing role with UCLA after being the Utes' top scoring option and Pac-12 Freshman of the Year.

Gabriela Jaquez

A senior who has spent her entire NCAA career with the Bruins, Jaquez has seen the team's transformation with the addition of Leger-Walker and Kneepkens.

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, who has praised the selfless approach and high basketball IQ of Leger-Walker and Kneepkens.

Kiki Rice

The Bruins' starting shooting guard, who has benefited from Leger-Walker's playmaking and has enjoyed her best offensive season yet.

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What they’re saying

“It's huge we have them. They're perfect fits here. Charlisse as a point guard has been great, and then just being a guard out there, a ready shooter, doing whatever we need, and obviously them being able to defend is really great for our team.”

— Gabriela Jaquez, Senior

“I think it tells you what their 'why' is, what their purpose is, why they came here. It wasn't to get their own stats. It was to be a part of something bigger than themselves.”

— Cori Close, Head Coach

“Charlisse, specifically, is one of the best processing point guards I've ever been around. Her ability to understand how rotations are happening in the second line, what's the next play and if she makes one mistake, boy, she's not making it a second time.”

— Cori Close, Head Coach

“[Leger-Walker's] basketball IQ is insane. She gets buckets, she defends super well, she does it all for us. She's selfless, and she kind of knows when to take over. I'm grateful we've had her this year.”

— Kiki Rice, Starting Shooting Guard

What’s next

If UCLA defeats Duke in the Elite Eight, they will advance to the Final Four, where they will face the winner of the other regional final.

The takeaway

The additions of Charlisse Leger-Walker and Gianna Kneepkens have transformed UCLA into a true national title contender. Their willingness to embrace complementary roles and focus on defense, playmaking, and team success over individual stats has elevated the Bruins to new heights and made them a formidable opponent for any team in the NCAA Tournament.