Challenges and Community Engagement in Women’s College Basketball
Women’s college basketball often feels sidelined in the shifting landscape of college sports. It seems to inherit many of the negative outcomes of what many describe as a chaotic environment.
The realignment of conferences has been largely driven by football and, to some extent, men’s basketball. In fact, players who decided to join UCLA’s women’s basketball team just a few years ago found themselves facing a season filled with games far from the East Coast, which wasn’t even on their radar.
Similar to their male counterparts, female athletes are also caught up in the pursuit of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) opportunities.
UCLA’s women’s basketball coach, Cori Close, shared in a recent interview that the day after arriving at the Final Four, several players left the program. She acknowledged that there are valid reasons for transferring schools but also expressed concern. “Not every student is just chasing money. But giving them the option to switch schools can lead them to prioritize the wrong things,” she explained.
To make a positive impact in the Southern California community, Close and UCLA partnered with Wescom Financial to aid wildfire relief efforts, cancelling $10 million in debt for those affected by the devastating fires in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. During the season, they hosted affected individuals at games, allowing players to connect with those impacted and hear their stories.
Close described this initiative as a simple choice she was eager to support. “It was important to me; it helped deepen my understanding of this cause. When the chance arose to collaborate with Wescom Financial on such a significant project, I couldn’t pass it up,” she noted.
Getting her players involved in community service poses a challenge, especially while aiming for national championships. However, Close emphasized that her team leads the NCAA in assists per game, indicating their focus on helping others, both on and off the court. “Marginally adding value to others can create purpose. It transforms us into better individuals and a stronger team,” she reflected.
Many locals have expressed gratitude over the last year, mentioning how attending Bruins games has offered a welcome distraction from their challenges. This appreciation, according to Close, has helped alleviate some of the pressure on her players as they strive for a national title.
“When there’s pressure, it’s easy to lose sight of your purpose. You don’t just burn out from too much work; sometimes, it’s because you forget why you started. From this perspective, the situation has been beneficial. It serves as a constant reminder that others are facing far more serious issues than the outcome of a basketball game,” she said.
Close concluded with a hopeful note about the team’s capacity to inspire and bring joy. “We have the opportunity to positively influence others, whether it’s delivering clothing to those in need or simply being a source of support,” she stated.
