UCLA Women's Basketball Celebrates Historic Championship Win

UCLA's Historic Celebration at Pauley Pavilion In a jubilant display of gratitude and excitement, the **UCLA women's basketball team** gathered at **Pauley Pavilion** to commemorate their remarkable achievement—winning their **first NCAA women's basketball championship**. The celebration, held on a Wednesday evening, drew a heartfelt crowd of fans eager to share in the glory following the Bruins' impressive **79-51 victory over South Carolina** in Phoenix just days earlier. **Lauren Betts**, a standout player for UCLA, expressed pride in their accomplishment, stating, "This team is going to go down in history. We've earned it." The atmosphere was electric as Betts, alongside teammates **Gabriela Jaquez** and **Charlisse Leger-Walker**, entertained the audience with a TikTok dance routine while showcasing their championship trophy. The festivities included Angela Dugalic making a playful snow angel in the blue-and-gold confetti that adorned the court. ## A Special Bond Among Teammates "This group is so special," Jaquez remarked, addressing the enthusiastic crowd, which filled half of Pauley Pavilion. She led an engaging eight-clap cheer, while the school band filled the air with the fight song, and beloved mascots **Joe Bruin** and **Josie Bruin** joined in the fun. The Bruins have experienced a whirlwind of attention since their championship victory, which attracted an impressive **9.9 million viewers**—marking it as the third most-viewed women's championship game since the tournament's inception in **1996**. Coach **Cori Close**, who has been at the helm since **2011**, reflected on the journey, recalling skeptics who doubted her ability to make **Los Angeles** care about women’s basketball. "Let me tell you," Close declared confidently. "L.A. cares about women's basketball now, and you guys helped do that." Her heartfelt statement was met with a standing ovation from both her team and the audience, who chanted her name in appreciation. ## A New Era for UCLA Women's Basketball Close took the opportunity to express her gratitude, saying, "I want to say thank you to you. It truly does take a village to go win a championship." Anticipation now builds for the future as a banner commemorating the championship will soon adorn the rafters of Pauley Pavilion, joining the only existing banner from the **1978 AIAW championship**, the precursor to the NCAA title. Denise Curry, a former star on that 1978 team, celebrated this milestone, stating, "It's getting some company. I can't wait." The emotional connection to this moment was palpable as **Ann Meyers Drysdale**, another legendary figure, delivered a video message to the team, noting, "This is your TLC moment—your team, your legacy, your championship." ## Honoring a Legacy Behind the Bruins bench, an empty gold seat—once belonging to coaching legend **John Wooden**—served as a poignant reminder of his legacy. Wooden, who led UCLA's men's teams to **10 national titles**, was a mentor to Close before his passing in **2010**. Close remarked on the significance of her title run, stating, "It's such a symbol of something that's really made a difference in my life." In a touching tribute, Wooden’s son, **Jim Wooden**, sent his congratulations to Close, while his great-granddaughter, **Cori Anderson**, shared a photo of her and her daughter decked out in UCLA gear. Close acknowledged the support from the Wooden family, saying, "They've been incredibly gracious to me." ## Celebrating Young Fans and Cultural Heritage The celebration also honored the team’s six seniors, who took the stage amidst a sea of fans, including many children. Jaquez expressed her appreciation, saying, "We could not have done it without you. I want to shout out all the little kids who gave us friendship bracelets, cookies, and notes." Additionally, a group from the **Tamaki Basketball Academy** in Auckland, New Zealand, performed a traditional **Maori dance**, honoring Leger-Walker, who proudly wrapped herself in her country's flag. Leger-Walker, who made history as the first New Zealand women's basketball player to win a national title, remarked on the significance of the moment, stating, "It's huge for the kids back home to see that this is possible for them, too." ## The Celebration Continues Following the festivities at Pauley Pavilion, the Bruins enjoyed a night out at a **Los Angeles Clippers** game against the **Oklahoma City Thunder**. Their celebratory tour has included visits to the **Los Angeles Lakers**, an appearance on **Jimmy Kimmel Live!**, and plans to attend an upcoming **Dodgers** game. Leger-Walker shared her excitement, saying, "I did wake up this morning after a couple more hours of sleep and I'm like, 'Wow, this is real. I did wake up again and I'm still a national champion.'" Betts, donning a backward championship cap with a piece of net tucked in front, joyfully declared, "This is my net, man. No one can take this from me. It's mine forever." ## What’s Next for UCLA Women's Basketball? As the Bruins bask in their hard-earned glory, the future looks promising for UCLA women's basketball. The championship win not only solidifies their place in history but also elevates the program's visibility and potential for drawing top talent. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how this momentum shapes their upcoming seasons. With a newfound spotlight on women’s basketball in Los Angeles, there's no telling what achievements lie ahead for this resilient and talented team.