UCLA’s women’s basketball team, fresh off capturing its first national championship, is set to embark on a July tour of British Columbia, where it will meet Canada’s senior women’s national squad in the annual W’HOOP IT UP game.
A Milestone for Both Programs
UCLA head coach Cori Close said the matchup represents a chance to test the Bruins against a talented Canadian roster while also giving the team a fresh competitive rhythm heading into the next season. Canada Basketball President Michael Bartlett added that the game is a cornerstone of the country’s women’s basketball calendar, drawing record crowds and underscoring the growing bond between the two programs.
Both Close and Bartlett highlighted the logistical and cultural benefits of the fixture, noting that the event will be staged in Victoria, British Columbia, and will be supported by local community groups. The Bruins have a history of international travel, having previously faced opponents in Senegal and Germany, experiences that have broadened their perspective and attracted new fans.
The upcoming contest is viewed as a key stepping stone for both squads as they prepare for upcoming tournaments, with the organizers emphasizing that the game will also serve as a platform to strengthen grassroots development and fan engagement across the region.