UCLA Women's Basketball Team Welcomed Home After NCAA Championship Win

Bruins return to campus to a hero's welcome after historic national title victory.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 6:33am

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The UCLA women's basketball team returned to their Los Angeles campus on Sunday night to a large, enthusiastic crowd of fans celebrating their NCAA national championship victory earlier that day. The Bruins dominated South Carolina in the title game, winning by a 28-point margin to secure the first NCAA women's basketball national championship in school history.

Why it matters

The Bruins' championship win is a landmark achievement for the UCLA women's basketball program, which has long been overshadowed by the school's powerhouse men's team. This victory represents a major milestone and will likely inspire increased interest and support for the women's team going forward.

The details

When the UCLA team buses arrived at the Mo Ostin Basketball Center on campus, the crowd erupted in cheers to welcome home the new national champions. Several of the team's star players, including seniors Gabriela Jaquez and Lauren Betts, were instrumental in securing the historic win over South Carolina.

  • The Bruins won the NCAA national championship on Sunday, April 6, 2026.
  • The team returned to the UCLA campus later that same evening to a hero's welcome.

The players

Gabriela Jaquez

A senior on the UCLA women's basketball team who helped lead the Bruins to their first-ever NCAA championship.

Lauren Betts

Another senior on the UCLA roster who was crucial to the team's national title victory.

Kiki Rice

A UCLA guard who expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic fan support the team received upon returning to campus.

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What they’re saying

“This is amazing, I mean, these fans have been so fantastic the entire season, just so grateful to have such a great welcome home.”

— Kiki Rice, UCLA guard

What’s next

The UCLA women's basketball team will likely receive a celebratory parade or rally on campus in the coming days to further honor their historic NCAA championship victory.

The takeaway

The Bruins' national title win represents a major breakthrough for the UCLA women's basketball program, which has long played in the shadow of the school's more prominent men's team. This achievement will undoubtedly inspire greater interest, support, and pride among the UCLA community and women's basketball fans across the country.