UCLA Women's Basketball Celebrates Historic Title

Bruins head coach Cori Close and star player Lauren Betts leaned on each other through tough times.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 7:25pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting the action of a basketball game, with overlapping planes of blue, gold, and white shapes representing the players, court, and crowd.The UCLA Bruins' historic women's basketball championship victory was a triumph built on the deep personal bond between coach and player.Los Angeles Today

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team won their first-ever NCAA championship on Sunday, defeating South Carolina. In a touching interview, head coach Cori Close shared how she and star player Lauren Betts supported each other through personal challenges, including Betts' mental health struggles and Close's father's passing, before reaching the pinnacle of college basketball.

Why it matters

The story highlights the deep personal connections and emotional support that can develop between coaches and players, going beyond just the sport itself. It also shines a light on the importance of addressing mental health issues in athletics.

The details

Close revealed that Betts, who has been open about her own battles with mental health, was hospitalized at one point during her time at UCLA. However, Close said she was most proud of how the entire program rallied around Betts during her toughest moments. The connection went both ways, as Betts had previously supported Close when the coach's father passed away while she was coaching a U19 Team USA squad in Spain, even before Betts had committed to UCLA.

  • On Sunday, April 6, 2026, the UCLA Bruins won the NCAA women's basketball championship.
  • Prior to Betts joining UCLA, Close's father passed away while she was coaching a U19 Team USA team in Spain.

The players

Cori Close

The head coach of the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team, who led the program to its first-ever NCAA championship in 2026.

Lauren Betts

The star player for the UCLA Bruins women's basketball team, who has been open about her battles with mental health issues during her time with the program.

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What they’re saying

“As much as I am proud of our staff, what we accomplished as a national champion, and all those things. I'm actually more proud of how we show up for our players on the hard days.”

— Cori Close, Head Coach, UCLA Bruins Women's Basketball

“Lauren gave more to me than I did to her. Then fast forward two years later, to be in that room with her, it's scary.”

— Cori Close, Head Coach, UCLA Bruins Women's Basketball

What’s next

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team will look to defend their national championship title in the 2026-27 season.

The takeaway

The UCLA Bruins' historic women's basketball championship victory was a triumph built on the deep personal bond between coach and player, highlighting the importance of addressing mental health issues in athletics.