In a remarkable turn of events for UCLA women's basketball, head coach Cori Close has been recognized as the National Coach of the Year by the United States Basketball Writers Association. This accolade comes on the heels of Close guiding the Bruins to their second-ever conference tournament championship, a feat not accomplished since 2006. Her coaching prowess has truly shined in a season marked by incredible achievements and comebacks.
Close's journey with UCLA began over 30 years ago when she joined the program as an assistant coach in 1993 under the mentorship of Kathy Oliver. Fast forward to 2025, and her leadership has transformed the Bruins into a formidable force in women's college basketball. The season kicked off with a bang as the team soared to a staggering 23-0 record, culminating in the program's first-ever number-one ranking.
The Bruins finished their 2025 season with an impressive 30-2 record, claiming the title of Big Ten Tournament champions following a victorious run that included a crucial win over No. 13 Ohio State. However, like many great stories, theirs was not without a few hurdles. Notably, the team lost both regular-season games to USC, including a heartbreaking defeat at Pauley Pavilion that cost them the Big Ten regular-season title.
Reflecting on this loss, Close wisely pointed out, "It's often not about the losses but how you respond to them." Such resilience defined the Bruins' approach, as they regrouped with determination to win successive Big Ten Tournament games, which included a resounding 29-point victory against Ohio State that propelled them into the finals.
In the championship game, the Bruins squared off against USC once more, ultimately triumphing with a final score of 72-67 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. This hard-fought victory solidified their position as one of the top teams in the nation.
Individual performances also played a significant role in this success. Star player Lauren Betts has had a breakout season, posting impressive averages of 19.6 points and 9.7 rebounds per game. Her contributions did not go unnoticed, as she earned a spot on the AP first-team All-American list. In addition, Kiki Rice was recognized as an All-American honorable mention, showcasing the depth of talent present in this squad.
The Bruins represent more than just skilled athletes; they embody a cohesive unit that thrives under Close's guidance. Under her tutelage, junior guards Gabriela Jaquez and Londynn Jones have also stepped up their games, while forward Angela Dugalic displayed significant growth in her contributions during the season. Close has proven to be not only a tactical genius but also an inspirational figure who fosters players’ love for the game.
Coaching, as Close exemplifies, is a delicate balance of science and art, requiring insight into game strategy combined with the ability to motivate and mentor players. Her knack for understanding both aspects has led to her recent honor and provided a financial bonus of $10,000, bringing her total bonuses for the year to $45,000. However, these financial incentives are secondary to Close's true ambition: to guide the Bruins to their first national championship.
As the Bruins move deeper into the postseason, their eyes are firmly set on the ultimate prize: a national title. This ambition reflects Close's unwavering commitment to her players and the program. After all these years, the dream that propelled her to join UCLA could soon become a reality.
In such a competitive environment, the pressure is on, but Close remains undeterred. The coming weeks will determine if her vision comes to fruition, with fans hopeful that the Bruins can carry their momentum into the NCAA tournament. With a leader like Cori Close at the helm, the spirit of UCLA basketball is soaring to new heights.
As the season unfolds, the excitement surrounding women's basketball continues to grow, with Close and her team at the forefront. Expectations are high, and many are eager to see how far the Bruins can go. The journey, rich with lessons of resilience and teamwork, reflects the true essence of college sports.
