UCLA winning its first NCAA women’s basketball title was obviously a big deal, so head coach Cori Close has herself a new deal.
A new contract for the Bruins’ championship coach will keep Close in Westwood through the 2029-30 season, the school announced Tuesday.
Under Close’s guidance, the senior-laden Bruins ran up a dizzying list of accomplishments, capped by a resounding 79-51 throttling of South Carolina in the national championship game. UCLA also set program records with 37 victories and a 31-game winning streak, along with capturing its first undefeated regular-season conference title and a second consecutive Big Ten Tournament title.
“I am so grateful to Chancellor (Julio) Frenk and (athletic director) Martin Jarmond for the opportunity to continue teaching and mentoring the young women who choose UCLA,” Close, 54, said in a statement. “I love being here in Westwood, and I am so excited for what the future holds. I would also like to say thank you to our coaches, student-athletes, support staff, alumni, fans and donors for their belief in our UNCOMMON mission. We would not be where we are today without their support and their commitment to our values.
“It fills me with such joy to share this with our village, and I hope we can continue to make our Bruin faithful proud.”
Following the championship season, the Bruins set a WNBA record by having six players – Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Angela Dugalić, Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker – selected in the April 13 draft.
In 15 seasons under Close, UCLA has a 358-144 (.713) record and has made 10 NCAA Tournaments, with back-to-back Final Four appearances in 2025 and ’26.
“We are extremely proud of what Cori has accomplished in leading our women’s basketball program,” Jarmond said. “Winning a national championship is a tremendous achievement, but what truly stands out with Cori is the character, leadership and daily commitment she and her staff bring to developing student-athletes into the best versions of themselves. Cori exemplifies True Bruin Values and we couldn’t be more excited about the future under her leadership.”