Cori Close Guides UCLA to First Women’s Basketball National Championship

UCLA’s women’s basketball program reached a historic milestone Sunday in Phoenix, clinching its first NCAA title with a decisive 78‑61 victory over South Carolina. Coach Cori Close, in her 15th season, finally captured the summit she has chased since taking the reins in 2011.

A Season of Redemption

The Bruins entered the tournament on the back of a 37‑1 record, the nation’s best rebounding margin and a roster that blended seasoned veterans with rising stars. After a humbling Final Four loss the previous year, Close and her players used that experience as a catalyst, tightening defense and sharpening execution.

Leadership Evolution

Close’s own growth has been a focal point of the championship run. Following last season’s blowout, she publicly apologized to her squad and began soliciting player feedback, a shift that former players say deepened trust and accountability. The approach earned her a place among the finalists for the 2025 Naismith College Coach of the Year and earlier Pac‑12 Coach of the Year honors.

Championship Triumph

In the title game, UCLA’s relentless rebounding and balanced scoring overwhelmed the Gamecocks. Forward Gabriela Jaquez’s 22 points and a dominant inside presence epitomized the team’s identity. When Close lifted the WBCA Coaches Trophy, she not only secured a championship for Westwood but also validated a decade‑plus of program building.