UCLA’s Title Defense Begins Monday Under Coach Cori Close

UCLA’s women’s basketball team begins its attempt to repeat as national champions on Monday at Pauley Pavilion. The Bruins face Lehigh in the season opener, marking the start of a campaign that will test the cohesion of a roster heavily depleted by graduation and the transfer portal.

Coach Cori Close is entering her 34th year in coaching and her 16th at UCLA. Her squad won its first NCAA title since 1978 in April 2026, defeating South Carolina 79-51 in Phoenix. That victory capped a 37-1 regular season and a sweep of the Big Ten Conference championships.

The Bruins have appeared in the NCAA postseason in nine of the last ten tournaments. Under Close’s guidance, the team holds a 25-9 record in tournament games. A total of 23 UCLA players have been drafted by WNBA teams since she took over the program.

Close’s approach prioritizes personal development alongside athletic performance. She told reporters that she wants to affect players' lives through sport, helping them become who they want to be. She believes this inside-out method creates a lasting impact that extends beyond the box score.

Senior forward Sienna Betts, who played a key role in the championship win, attributed her success to trust and open communication. Betts stated that the direct line to Close in the locker room and office allows her to trust every message delivered on the court.

Timea Gardner, a fifth-year forward, noted that she has never played for a coach who was more person-centered than athlete-centered. Gardner described Close as authentically quirky, a trait she finds genuine rather than performative.

The roster is being rebuilt with a focus on immediate impact. Close stated that freshmen must be top-10 level recruits to make the roster because the team cannot afford to train players who may leave. Transfers are evaluated on their desire to get better and smarter, with culture treated as a non-negotiable element.

Six-foot senior guard Donovyn Hunter, who transferred from Texas Christian last spring, warned incoming players about the intensity of the system. Hunter said Close will push athletes to their utmost, often being loud and passionate, but that she loves the game and the team with equal force.

The team’s standard remains high despite the loss of six senior players to the WNBA. Close emphasized that the journey is always better than the destination, a sentiment shared by former UCLA coach John Wooden. The Bruins will test this philosophy in their first game of the 2026-27 season.