Lauren Betts Shines at the ESPYs

Lauren Betts made quite an impression at the ESPYs, delivering one of the evening’s standout moments.

The rookie from the Mystics and 2026 national champion from UCLA was awarded the Best College Athlete in Women’s Sports during the ceremony held at the David H. Koch Theater in New York.

She seized the spotlight to promote a cause close to her heart: mental health.

“I believe this platform allows me to address topics that are significant to me,” she stated. “Many people who follow my journey know about my struggles with mental health. I’ve shared a lot about my experiences. What I want those who are aware of my story to understand is that prioritizing my peace is just as important as pursuing my dreams.”

“Mental health and success are interconnected; it’s the bedrock of everything you do. The true strength lies not in never facing challenges but in having the bravery to allow others to share their struggles. I’m really thankful for all of you, thank you.”

Betts, who received accolades from figures like Bam Adebayo and rapper French Montana, has been candid about her own battles with depression.

Since March, she has often shared a message on her Instagram, recalling words from her college days: “Mental health is real, it’s vital, and no one should journey through it alone. If my experiences can uplift someone, that’s more meaningful to me than anything on the court. I love you all.”

The 22-year-old attended the awards dressed in a stunning black gown with sheer accents. Before the event, she shared a playful video of herself taking poses and dancing in her outfit, which she credited to stylist Katie Kian and makeup artist Kianda Vivar.

Following her national title win, Betts was picked fourth overall in the WNBA Draft by the Mystics, contributing to a record-breaking five first-rounders from UCLA that year.

As part of the rotation in Washington, she has averaged 3.6 rebounds and 6.5 points per game with a shooting percentage of 53 across 22 games, including one start.

The Mystics currently hold a 12-10 record, trailing the league-leading Lynx by 5.5 games. If the season concluded now, Washington would be positioned as the seventh-ranked team going into the playoffs, just ahead of the eighth-seeded Liberty.