UCLA Women's Basketball Team Celebrates National Championship Win

The Bruins return to campus after defeating South Carolina 79-51 in the NCAA title game.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:19am

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The UCLA women's basketball team returned to the UCLA campus on April 6, 2026, after winning the NCAA National Championship the previous day. The Bruins defeated South Carolina 79-51 in the title game, capping off an impressive tournament run. Fans and coaches were on hand to welcome the team back and celebrate their victory.

Why it matters

The UCLA women's basketball program has a storied history, with this being their first national title since 2018. The win caps off an impressive season for the Bruins and solidifies their status as one of the top programs in the country. The celebration on campus showcases the pride and excitement of the UCLA community.

The details

The UCLA players, coaches, and staff arrived back on campus to a hero's welcome, with fans lining the streets and cheering as the team bus pulled in. Several key players, including Gabriela Jaquez, Angela Dugalic, and Kiki Rice, were greeted by the crowd and posed for photos with the championship trophy. Head coach Cori Close and assistant coach Tasha Brown also participated in the celebration, addressing the media and taking pictures with fans.

  • The UCLA women's basketball team won the NCAA National Championship on April 5, 2026.
  • The team returned to the UCLA campus on April 6, 2026 to celebrate their victory.

The players

Gabriela Jaquez

A UCLA guard who played a key role in the team's championship run.

Angela Dugalic

A UCLA forward who contributed to the team's dominant performance in the tournament.

Kiki Rice

A UCLA guard and standout player who helped lead the Bruins to the national title.

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, who guided the Bruins to their first national championship since 2018.

Tasha Brown

An assistant coach for the UCLA women's basketball team, who was part of the coaching staff that led the Bruins to victory.

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What they’re saying

“Winning the national championship is a dream come true for our team. We've worked so hard all season and to see it all pay off is an incredible feeling.”

— Gabriela Jaquez, UCLA Guard

“I'm so proud of this team and what we've accomplished. These players have put in the effort and dedication to reach this level, and they deserve all the credit.”

— Cori Close, UCLA Head Coach

What’s next

The UCLA women's basketball team will be honored at a victory parade and celebration on campus in the coming days. The Bruins will also be recognized at the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame induction ceremony later this year.

The takeaway

The UCLA women's basketball team's national championship victory is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and coaching staff. The celebration on campus showcases the pride and excitement of the UCLA community, and the team's success will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Bruins to strive for greatness.