UCLA's women's basketball team captured its most dominant season yet, capping the campaign with a 79‑51 victory over South Carolina in the national championship game.
A new era for the Bruins
Coach Cori Close steered the Bruins through a turbulent year marked by the departure of several top scorers to the WNBA, turning to the transfer portal to replenish the roster with KK Bransford and Addy Brown.
Close has been vocal about the impact of name, image and likeness opportunities, arguing that the new landscape has shifted recruiting priorities toward experienced transfers rather than incoming freshmen.
Future ambitions
Among the newcomers, Sienna Betts, the younger sister of star forward Lauren Betts, is expected to assume a pivotal role as the team looks to defend its title next season.
Close remains focused on rebuilding a championship‑caliber squad, emphasizing continuity and the development of talent that can compete at the highest level, with upcoming non‑conference matchups slated for Arizona and Phoenix to test the Bruins against diverse styles of play.