Cori Close Transforms UCLA into Champion Amidst NIL Era

In a historic moment for UCLA women’s basketball, head coach Cori Close led her squad to a 79-51 win over the South Carolina Gamecocks. The Bruins secured their first NCAA women’s basketball national championship.

This win cements Close’s legacy and opens new doors in college sports. With Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) regulations shaking things up, Close’s approach has put UCLA right at the forefront.

UCLA’s Championship Triumph

On a Sunday afternoon at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, the Bruins clinched their first NCAA women’s basketball title. Cori Close, drawing on 33 years of coaching and 15 years at UCLA, guided the team to this milestone.

This win puts her among an elite group of active coaches who’ve achieved this. It’s a big deal for the program and for Close herself.

The Impact of the Championship

The championship is set to shake up both Close’s career and the UCLA program. As confetti rained down, Close turned to her mother and said, *the transfer portal just got easier.*

The transfer portal, which opened the next day, lets players switch schools with fewer hurdles. That’s huge, especially since all five starters and Angela Dugalic are graduating.

Leveraging Los Angeles and NIL

Close points to Los Angeles as a major advantage, especially now with NIL in play. She tells recruits that the NIL package at UCLA is just the starting point, and that LA’s media market lets players build their brand way beyond that.

This pitch has helped UCLA stand out in the transfer portal. Players notice the potential here.

Navigating the NIL Landscape

Close has her gripes about the lack of NIL regulations, but she admits NIL was overdue. She’s adapted, saying her job now feels more like being a CEO than just a coach.

This year, she’s expecting to bring in five transfers, so she’s putting a spotlight on financial management. She’s also making sure players get support for mental health and can tap into UCLA’s alumni network.

Building a Championship Roster

Close’s success isn’t just about X’s and O’s. She’s embraced the new realities of college basketball and transformed the program.

Three of UCLA’s five championship starters were transfers. Lauren Betts came from Stanford, Charlisse Leger-Walker from Washington State, and Gianna Kneepkens from Utah. Angela Dugalic, another key piece, arrived from Oregon.

Recruitment and Development

Transfers have been crucial, but Close also shines in recruiting and developing talent. Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez, who both spent their entire college careers at UCLA, played huge roles in the championship run.

Rice was the No. 2 recruit in her class, and Jaquez led the team in scoring during the title game. Both are expected to go in the first round of the WNBA Draft.

Preparing Players for Professional Success

Close’s vision goes beyond wins and losses. She wants her players ready for pro careers.

Rice credits Close and UCLA for helping her develop a professional mindset right from the start. The program treats college basketball like a job—serious, focused, and demanding.

Focus on Financial Literacy and Mental Health

Close makes sure her players can handle the financial side of their careers. She prioritizes financial literacy and mental health support, areas former Bruins felt needed more attention.

This well-rounded approach gives players a better shot at making the most of NIL and whatever comes next.

Maintaining a Team-First Culture

Even with all the changes—NIL, the transfer portal—Close has kept the focus on the team. She believes strong relationships and a connected group are the backbone of success.