Kiwi Players Lead UCLA to NCAA Women's Basketball Title

New Zealand natives Charlisse Leger-Walker and Tara Manumaleuga star in UCLA's historic championship win over South Carolina.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:02pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action and energy of the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game, with overlapping shapes and planes representing the players, the court, and the intensity of the competition.Two Kiwi stars shine as UCLA claims its first-ever women's basketball national title in a historic victory.Los Angeles Today

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team made history by winning their first-ever NCAA Division I National Championship, led by two standout players from New Zealand - Charlisse Leger-Walker and Tara Manumaleuga. The Bruins defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks in a hard-fought final game, cementing their status as the top team in the country.

Why it matters

This victory marks a significant milestone for UCLA's women's basketball program, which had never won a national title before. It also shines a spotlight on the growing international talent pool in the sport, with New Zealand emerging as a hotbed for elite women's basketball players.

The details

In the championship game, Leger-Walker scored a team-high 22 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, while Manumaleuga contributed 15 points and 6 assists. The two Kiwi stars were instrumental in leading the Bruins to victory over the heavily favored Gamecocks, who were seeking their third national title.

  • The NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game was played on April 6, 2026.
  • This was UCLA's first-ever national title in women's basketball.

The players

Charlisse Leger-Walker

A junior guard from Waikato, New Zealand, Leger-Walker was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 2026 NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament.

Tara Manumaleuga

A sophomore guard from Auckland, New Zealand, Manumaleuga was a key contributor throughout UCLA's championship run.

UCLA Bruins

The UCLA women's basketball team, which won its first-ever NCAA Division I National Championship in 2026.

South Carolina Gamecocks

The South Carolina women's basketball team, which was seeking its third national title but fell short against UCLA in the championship game.

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What they’re saying

“These two young women from New Zealand have put their country on the map in women's basketball. Their performance in the championship game was truly inspiring.”

— Mitch Northam, USAT Sports Reporter

“We knew we had the talent to win it all, but to actually do it is an unbelievable feeling. This is a historic moment for our program and for UCLA.”

— Charlisse Leger-Walker

What’s next

The Bruins will look to defend their national title next season, with Leger-Walker and Manumaleuga expected to lead the team once again.

The takeaway

The success of Leger-Walker and Manumaleuga at UCLA demonstrates the growing global reach of women's basketball and the emergence of New Zealand as a hotbed for elite talent in the sport.