The UCLA Bruins, under the leadership of head coach Cori Close, won the NCAA women’s basketball national championship on April 5, 2026, by defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks with a decisive score of 79-51. This victory marks a historic moment as it is the first national championship for UCLA in the NCAA era.
Close, who has been at the helm of the Bruins for 15 years, emphasized the importance of recruiting “uncommon, courageous women” to build a strong team. Her coaching philosophy has evolved significantly, especially after experiencing a previous loss in the Final Four.
The Bruins showcased a formidable defense throughout the tournament, allowing only 95 points combined in their final two games, the second-fewest ever by a national championship team in the Final Four. In the title game, they held South Carolina to less than 30.0% shooting from the field and under 15% from 3-point range, setting a new standard for defensive performance in a national title game.
Lauren Betts was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Women’s Tournament following the championship win, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Gianna Kneepkens also played a crucial role, scoring 15 points in the championship game.
Close expressed that the championship win was meaningful because of the people she shared it with, stating, “It’s not about me. It’s about watching these incredible young women be dream chasers.” She reflected on the journey, saying, “It’s just so rare in life that you can start a journey with a group of people and really envision something… and that it actually happens.”
Dawn Staley, head coach of South Carolina, praised Close for her hard work and contributions to women’s basketball, highlighting the significance of their roles as women coaching at the highest levels of the sport.
With this championship, Close and her team have not only achieved a remarkable victory but have also set a benchmark for future teams. The Bruins’ success is expected to inspire a new generation of athletes and coaches in women’s basketball.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future plans of the UCLA program and how they will build on this championship success.
