Ann Meyers Drysdale is currently part of a text group with fellow UCLA women’s basketball legends, and there’s a palpable sense of excitement about what the current team is achieving.
For the second year in a row, the Bruins are headed back to the Final Four, just two wins shy of claiming their first NCAA championship title.
“We’re all messaging each other and it’s just so thrilling,” Meyers Drysdale shared during an exclusive chat with the California Post shortly after UCLA’s victory over Duke in Sunday’s Elite Eight.
“It’s truly a family affair. We couldn’t be prouder of them and, honestly, it’s an amazing journey to be a part of.”
It’s clear that these Bruins owe a debt of gratitude to the trailblazers who came before them.
Meyers Drysdale, a pioneering figure in women’s basketball, made headlines decades ago, especially when Iowa State star Caitlin Clark brought in larger TV ratings than the men’s championship game.
Known for her relentless playing style, she was the first athlete—regardless of gender—to achieve a quadruple double in college basketball, significantly raising the profile of women’s sports during her time.
An iconic moment came during her senior year in 1978 when NBA legend Wilt Chamberlain attended the AIAW semifinals at Pauley Pavilion, calling women’s basketball as exciting as watching the Lakers.
Just two days later, during the championship game, she delivered a stellar performance, almost hitting a double-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, nine assists, and eight steals. This was four years before the NCAA would govern women’s college sports, and the Bruins claimed the national title by defeating Maryland 90-74.
Her influence extended beyond her accolades. Meyers Drysdale not only had her jersey retired at UCLA, but she also captured a silver medal with the U.S. women’s national team in the 1976 Olympics and even tried out for the NBA’s Indiana Pacers in 1979. She’s now a proud member of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
Currently, as she holds various roles with the NBA’s Phoenix Suns and WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, Meyers Drysdale finds it somewhat ironic that her Bruins are heading to Phoenix for the Final Four.
She’ll be present at the Mortgage Matchup Center for UCLA’s semifinal matchup this Friday. At 71, Meyers Drysdale expressed optimism about the team’s chances, saying, “I think we have a strong shot at winning this year. There’s a lot of pride there. I believe in them.”
Her belief in the team is bolstered by UCLA’s diverse talent. In their Sweet 16 match against Minnesota, point guard Kiki Rice shone, and against Duke, center Lauren Betts and guard Angela Dugalich stepped up.
Meyers Drysdale also has complete faith in coach Cori Close, having observed her journey since her days as a point guard at the University of California, Santa Barbara. “I always saw her leadership, her intensity, and her passion for the game. Players respond well to that kind of motivation; she demands excellence from them, and encourages them to grow both on and off the court,” she noted.
The drive for improvement may be especially crucial after the Bruins faced a painful 34-point defeat to Washington in the same arena last year.
Meyers Drysdale recalled her own letdowns in not reaching the final round of the AIAW tournament during her first three college years. Under the leadership of coach Billy Moore, they finally clinched the title with a star freshman, Dennis Curry, as a senior.
“I think last year hit UCLA hard. But sometimes, that might just be the fuel that drives you,” she reflected.
A lot has shifted since her time, when the Bruins played on a side court inside Pauley Pavilion, with NBC acquiring the rights to the AIAW Championship Game for under $25,000.
Highlighting the growth of the sport, Meyers Drysdale mentioned the extensive media obligations players now face at the Final Four and how forward Lauren Betts recently opened up about her mental health challenges in a Players’ Tribune article. “Things were different back then, and there are ups and downs to both eras,” she observed.
“Everyone’s genuinely supportive of one another. At the end of the day, it’s about securing that win,” she added.
Meyers Drysdale admires Coach Close for fostering a sense of connection among former players and current team members. “We’ve had some remarkable athletes at UCLA, but ultimately, it all comes back to winning that title. Cori keeps the legacy alive, reminding today’s players about the paths paved by those who came before them,” she commented.
Close also recognized the positive influence of Meyers Drysdale on her own coaching journey. “Annie has been a blessing to me,” she said. “She consistently sends me encouraging messages and embodies the guiding principles of our coaching tradition. Her support means the world to me.”
Whenever someone wants to recall the path the Bruins have taken to reach this point, they need only glance at the courts in their practice facility.
They’re named after Ann Meyers Drysdale.
