PHOENIX – The excitement kicks off even before the game begins.
During the player introductions, each UCLA women’s basketball starter jumps from their bench to unite with teammate Timea Gardiner for their unique routines.
Kiki Rice, the point guard, showcases her versatility with a broad gesture. Lauren Betts gives a nod to Kobe Bryant with a distinct hand motion, while Charlisse Ledger Walker hints at her sharp court vision by curling her fingers.
And sure, there’s celebrating after the match too. With the team just one win away from heading to the Final Four for a second consecutive year, there’s plenty of reason to rejoice.
On the court, players groove during games, in the locker room, and even at halftime for Bruins men’s basketball matches. Coach Cori Close has even paused practice to let Betts and her sister Sienna perform a nostalgic routine they enjoyed as kids.
Crouse sometimes takes a moment out of practice to highlight reserve guard Megan Grant’s first basket.
“Seeing her dance like that was a bit surprising,” Betts said, chuckling. “I thought, ‘Okay, Coach Cori.’”
The atmosphere is like one continuous dance party, yet it includes moments of seriousness too.
Close’s impressive feat as a coach is managing to bring her team back to the pinnacle of college basketball while balancing joy and anxiety. She does this skillfully, allowing the more stressful components to fade in the background amidst all the celebrations.
“This should be an incredibly enjoyable journey as we strive for excellence at this level,” Close stated. The Bruins (35-1) are set to face off against fellow top-seeded Texas (35-3) in the national semifinals on Friday night at the Mortgage Matchup Center.
“Whether you’re in the WNBA Finals or competing for a national championship in the Final Four, there’s always room for enjoyment, no matter the level. I hope we never forget that this is meant to be a fun, life-changing experience.”
Behind the festivities, however, the veteran coach is not solely focused on fun. Betts emphasizes that despite her natural talent, she can’t just do her own thing all the time.
“She pushes me every day, and it can be tough,” Betts said regarding her coach. “But I know it’s because she cares.”
Close emphasizes growth above all. She encourages tough habits in her players, fostering a culture of continual improvement. This is evident when players often stay late to add extra work to their routine.
There are moments when Coach Close can be demanding, especially when dealing with specific game situations, like making last-minute shots.
“I’m probably not the best at that,” Close admitted, “because it’s difficult to recreate the emotions they will actually experience. I just try to make things as challenging for them as possible.”
She aims to enhance each player’s strengths while keeping consistent expectations. For some, a relaxed approach works best, while others may need what Close refers to as cranking up the “warrior dial.”
This skill is something Close learned chiefly from UCLA assistant coach Michaela Onyenwere, who brought a light-hearted energy during her playing days.
“Initially, I thought she was detached as a freshman. But then we realized she was intensely competitive, yet her best performance came when matched with joy and brightness. I recognized the need to build genuine relationships with players,” Close shared.
Close promotes a growth mindset by assigning players the task of journaling what they’ve learned from experiences and how these lessons will shape their futures. She stresses the importance of focusing on reactions rather than just events.
“It might have been a poor shot, or maybe nerves set in,” Close noted. “Instead of dwelling on the situation, concentrate on how you respond. We aim to strengthen your response so it outweighs any challenges.”
A belief of Close’s is to encourage self-talk rather than fall into negative internal dialogues. This concept guided her approach last weekend when her team was down against Duke by eight points in the Elite Eight.
“Doubts often creep in,” Close explained. “As I walked into the locker room, I kept reminding myself, ‘They’ve got this, stay calm and steady for them.’ I was literally just convincing myself that we needed to gather ourselves.”
And indeed, the game turned in their favor. The Bruins emerged post-halftime, outperforming the Blue Devils by 16 points in a decisive win.
Rice expressed her appreciation for a coach who seeks excellence while maintaining an uplifting vibe.
“She’s worked really hard this year to hold us accountable, to keep us to high standards, and to call us out when we don’t meet them,” Rice reflected. “But she ensures we celebrate our successes together.”
This sense of camaraderie was evident last weekend when Leger Walker shared a TikTok dance with Gabriela Jaquez in the locker room, a moment of joy that resonated with teammates and social media followers alike.
“It’s easier to have fun when you’re surrounded by people who enjoy the same things,” Leger-Walker mentioned.
