Shannon LeBeauf Rejoins UCLA Women’s Basketball Staff

Shannon LeBeauf, a favorite assistant coach of Cori Close, is coming back to the UCLA women’s basketball program. After spending last year at Rutgers, she will take on the role of associate head coach, where she previously worked under Close for 14 years.

LeBeauf steps in for Michaela Onyenwere, who recently concluded her one-year contract and has returned to the WNBA.

Close’s admiration for LeBeauf was evident earlier this year when he honored her during a pregame ceremony before a matchup against Rutgers. After the game, as Close sat down to speak with reporters, he paid tribute to her contributions. “We wouldn’t be in this position without the investment Coach Shannon has made to this program over the past 14 years,” he remarked.

Renowned for her recruiting skills, LeBeauf has played a key role in securing several top-10 recruiting classes at Duke, USC, and UCLA. In 2025, she will be inducted into the A STEP UP Assistant Coaches Hall of Fame.

“UCLA has always held a special place in my heart due to the people and commitment to excellence that permeates the program,” LeBeauf stated. “My time away has helped me grow as both a coach and a person, and I’m returning with a renewed appreciation for what makes UCLA truly exceptional. I’m grateful for the journey and excited to return to a place that means so much to my personal and professional growth.”

During her time on Close’s staff, LeBeauf was crucial as the recruiting coordinator and earned a promotion to associate head coach before the 2019-20 season. Her efforts contributed to UCLA’s first top-ranked recruiting class in 2014-15, which included standout players like Rece Caldwell and Jordan Canada.

Thanks to LeBeauf, UCLA has secured another top recruiting class in 2021-22, featuring players such as Kiki Rice, who were pivotal in the team’s recent national title win.

Moreover, LeBeauf has also initiated the Leaders in Training mentorship program designed for athletes.

“Shannon LeBeauf is vital to our program,” Close said. “She is an outstanding recruiter and coach, adept at building top-notch recruiting classes and fostering their development as student-athletes and young women. We’re excited to have her back. Her leadership style, rooted in humility and strong relationships, is truly unmatched.”