Cori Close Breaks Down UCLA’s Title Run, Historic WNBA Draft, and What Comes Next

Chantel Jennings chats with UCLA head coach Cori Close about the whirlwind following UCLA Women’s Basketball’s national title win, the lessons learned from past experiences, and what it takes to build a championship culture.

Coach Close also shares the influence of John Wooden and discusses the evolving landscape of college sports—particularly the transfer portal and NIL era. She outlines her strategic approach to recruiting and emphasizes the importance of institutional support for sustained success.

REFERENCES:

How UCLA’s super senior class, led by Lauren Betts, set the championship standard by Sabreena Merchant

Grading every 2026 WNBA first-round draft pick from Azzi Fudd to Lauren Betts by Sabreena Merchant and Chantel Jennings

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