UCLA Coach Praises Rival Dawn Staley Ahead of NCAA Title Game

Cori Close shares warm words for South Carolina's Staley while also commenting on her recent dust-up with Geno Auriemma.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 3:18am

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UCLA women's basketball coach Cori Close spoke highly of her counterpart Dawn Staley of South Carolina ahead of the teams' matchup in the NCAA championship game on Sunday. Close said the two coaches feel a sense of pride in representing women who can coach at the highest levels, and she expressed interest in learning more about Staley's recent heated exchange with UConn's Geno Auriemma.

Why it matters

The meeting between Close and Staley, two of the longest-tenured and most successful women's basketball coaches, highlights the growing prominence and respect for female leadership in the sport. Their warm relationship also stands in contrast to the recent public clash between Staley and Auriemma, underscoring the complex dynamics within the elite coaching ranks.

The details

Close and Staley have never worked together directly, but they share a mutual admiration. Close, the recent Big 10 Coach of the Year, has led UCLA to its first-ever national championship game, while Staley has built South Carolina into a perennial powerhouse. The two coaches texted briefly after Staley's heated exchange with Auriemma following the Final Four matchup, and Close said she'd love to hear the 'real story' behind the incident.

  • Close and Staley will face off in the NCAA championship game on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • Close has been the head coach at UCLA since 2011, while Staley has led South Carolina since 2008.

The players

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, who has led the Bruins to their first-ever national championship game appearance.

Dawn Staley

The head coach of the South Carolina women's basketball team, who has built the Gamecocks into a perennial powerhouse and the defending national champions.

Geno Auriemma

The head coach of the UConn women's basketball team, who was involved in a heated exchange with Staley following their Final Four matchup.

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What they’re saying

“I think both Dawn and I feel a sense of pride that we are able to continue to represent women that can coach at the highest levels, to promote our game.”

— Cori Close, UCLA Head Coach

“UCLA is coached by a great coach, Cori Close, who has done a tremendous job with keeping that group together and formulating something truly special in getting back-to-back Final Fours, now to the national championship game. She's done it with players who believe in her and her system. Her system works.”

— Dawn Staley, South Carolina Head Coach

What’s next

The NCAA championship game between UCLA and South Carolina is scheduled for Sunday, April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

The mutual respect and admiration between Close and Staley, two of the most accomplished women's basketball coaches, highlights the growing prominence and influence of female leadership in the sport. Their warm relationship stands in contrast to the recent public clash between Staley and Auriemma, underscoring the complex dynamics within the elite coaching ranks.