UCLA Women's Basketball Celebrates Historic Title Win

Bruins players and coaches revel in championship glory at packed Pauley Pavilion event

Apr. 9, 2026 at 4:37am

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An abstract expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the raw energy and emotion of the UCLA women's basketball team and their fans celebrating the school's historic NCAA championship win. Faces and details dissolve into a swirling, kinetic display of movement and color.The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team revels in the excitement of their first-ever NCAA championship, their victory celebration overflowing with energy and pride.Los Angeles Today

The UCLA women's basketball team celebrated their first-ever NCAA championship with a joyous event at Pauley Pavilion, drawing a huge crowd of fans. Players like Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Charlisse Leger-Walker took the court to perform a TikTok dance with the trophy, while coach Cori Close received a standing ovation. The celebration also featured a traditional Maori dance honoring Leger-Walker's New Zealand heritage, and the team is set for more festivities like attending Clippers and Dodgers games.

Why it matters

This championship marks a major milestone for the UCLA women's basketball program, which had never won a national title before. The celebration at Pauley Pavilion showcased the immense pride and excitement of the players, coaches, and fans, demonstrating the growing popularity and recognition of women's basketball in Los Angeles.

The details

The celebration at Pauley Pavilion featured several memorable moments, including the players performing a TikTok dance with the championship trophy, a spirited eight-clap led by Jaquez, and a standing ovation for coach Cori Close. A group from the Tamaki Basketball Academy in New Zealand also performed a traditional Maori dance to honor Leger-Walker, the first New Zealander to win an NCAA women's basketball title. The team is set for more celebrations, including attending Clippers and Dodgers games in the coming days.

  • The celebration took place on Wednesday, April 9, 2026, just days after the Bruins won the NCAA championship on Sunday, April 6.
  • The game against South Carolina averaged 9.9 million viewers, the third-most watched women's championship game since 1996.

The players

Lauren Betts

A key player on the UCLA women's basketball team that won the 2026 NCAA championship.

Gabriela Jaquez

A standout player for the UCLA Bruins who helped lead the team to the national title.

Charlisse Leger-Walker

The first New Zealand women's basketball player to win an NCAA championship, Leger-Walker is a star for the Bruins.

Cori Close

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

Angela Dugalic

A member of the UCLA women's basketball team that won the 2026 national title.

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What they’re saying

“This team is going to go down in history. We've earned it.”

— Lauren Betts, UCLA Women's Basketball Player

“This group is so special. We're all best friends.”

— Gabriela Jaquez, UCLA Women's Basketball Player

“Let me tell you, L.A. cares about women's basketball now and you guys helped do that.”

— Cori Close, UCLA Women's Basketball Head Coach

“This is your TLC moment — your team, your legacy, your championship.”

— Ann Meyers Drysdale

“I'm the first New Zealand women's basketball player to ever win a national title, so that's been kind of the talk of the town. It's huge for the kids back home to see that this is possible for them, too.”

— Charlisse Leger-Walker, UCLA Women's Basketball Player

What’s next

The UCLA women's basketball team will continue their championship celebration by attending Clippers and Dodgers games in the coming days.

The takeaway

The joyous celebration at Pauley Pavilion showcased the immense pride and excitement surrounding UCLA's first-ever NCAA women's basketball championship, marking a significant milestone for the program and the growing popularity of women's basketball in Los Angeles.