A New Era of Leadership
Noelle Quinn, who starred for UCLA from 2003 to 2007, returns to the program she once helped elevate to national prominence, bringing a blend of playing brilliance and coaching acumen that could reshape the Bruins' future.
During her collegiate career she amassed more than 1,700 points, 700 rebounds and 400 assists, establishing herself as one of the most versatile players in school history and the first Bruin to reach those milestones.
After being selected fourth overall in the 2007 WNBA Draft, Quinn spent 12 seasons in the league, capturing a championship with the Seattle Storm in 2018 and later adding a coaching title when the Storm secured the 2020 WNBA crown.
Her coaching résumé includes a stint as associate head coach for the Storm, where she helped guide the team to a Commissioner’s Cup victory in 2021, and a tenure as head coach from 2020 through 2025, during which she led the club to multiple playoff appearances.
Cori Close, UCLA’s head coach, said the hire reflects a desire to blend championship experience with developmental expertise, noting that Quinn’s tactical acumen will be crucial as the Bruins navigate roster turnover after their 2025 title run.
The move comes at a pivotal moment for UCLA, which is looking to preserve its recent dominance while integrating fresh talent into a system that has already proven capable of competing at the highest level.