UCLA women's basketball head coach Cori Close discusses the team's journey to winning the 2026 NCAA Women's Tournament and their strong representation in the WNBA Draft. She reflects on the Bruins' success in developing players who are now entering professional basketball, highlighting the program's ability to prepare athletes for the next level. Close emphasizes the importance of player development and the impact of strategic recruiting and coaching decisions.
She also shares insights into the team’s path to the national title, including key moments during the tournament and the role of teamwork and resilience. The conversation touches on the challenges of navigating the transfer portal and maintaining roster continuity while building a competitive squad. Close expresses pride in her players’ achievements and the program’s growing influence in women’s college basketball.