UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close (left), center Lauren Betts (center) and guard Kiki Rice during press conference at Amalie Arena on Apr 3, 2025.
UCLA women’s basketball clinched the program’s first Big Ten regular season title with a win over Wisconsin on Sunday. It was also the Bruins’ Senior Day, which celebrated six seniors on UCLA’s veteran-heavy squad.
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One of those seniors was center Lauren Betts. The first-team All-American is the reigning Naismith National Defensive Player of the Year and helped lead the Bruins to its first Final Four appearance in the NCAA era.
But before Betts racked up a long list of accomplishments with UCLA, she was a freshman at Stanford who averaged just 5.9 points per game. She was Stanford’s backup center behind Cameron Brink, who was the 2024 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year.
Betts transferred to UCLA for her sophomore season and became one of the most decorated athletes in program history.
“I’m just so happy to be here. Coming to UCLA has been the best decision I’ve ever made and I love these girls so much,” Betts said postgame on Sunday. “I love these coaches, they’ve done so much for me and I’m just forever grateful to be here.”
Betts Credits Cori Close For Her Transformation
Betts told reporters on Sunday that UCLA coach Cori Close has played a big role in helping her transform into the superstar player she is today. Close has helped Betts improve her performance on the court and navigate life off the court.
“Playing for Coach Cori (Close) has definitely been transformational for my basketball career,” Betts said. “I really wouldn’t be the player or person I am without her. She’s changed how I view basketball, how I view life.”
Close has been the head coach for UCLA for all three seasons Betts has been on the team. Now, Betts’ younger sister, Sienna Betts, has joined the squad as a freshman this season.
Apr 3, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; From left: UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close (left), center Lauren Betts (center) and guard Kiki Rice during press conference at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
What’s Next For Betts After UCLA?
Betts and the Bruins are looking to win a national championship this season. UCLA made it to the Final Four but ultimately lost to UConn in the semi-finals. UConn went on to win the national championship that season.
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Betts is projected to be a top pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft and is a contender to be selected No. 1 overall by the Dallas Wings.
She was also invited to the USA Basketball Women’s National Team training camp in December. Betts is continuing to battle for a roster spot with Team USA for the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup in Berlin during September 2026.
Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The post UCLA Star Lauren Betts Says Cori Close ‘Transformed’ Her Basketball Career appeared first on LA Sports Report.
