UCLA’s Mental Conditioning Ahead of NCAA Championship Game

PHOENIX – Kiki Rice harnesses more than just basketball skills. Her mental reset routine is just as critical as any athletic move, helping her focus and regain composure during intense moments.

In the Women’s Final Four on Friday, the Bruins frequently reminded each other to reset, especially after setbacks like turnovers or losing momentum.

For Rice, it was about taking a moment to breathe and look up at the banners and jerseys. Meanwhile, teammate Gianna Neepkens focused on self-encouragement, telling herself, “You got this.”

Point guard Charlisse Ledger-Walker adopted a different tactic—she would breathe deeply, close her eyes, and place her hand on her stomach to ground herself, especially after a challenging play where Texas guard Lori Harmon stole the ball.

What followed was a shift in mindset. “It was like, ‘Reset, okay, next play,'” she shared.

This reset routine is part of a broader mental conditioning program led by assistant coach Tasha Brown, which has played a significant role in pushing UCLA to its first NCAA Championship Game.

The Bruins (36-1) will face the University of South Carolina (36-3) on Sunday, marking a milestone in their collegiate journey. Coach Brown emphasizes the importance of staying grounded and consistent regardless of the high stakes, stating, “The stage isn’t going to get bigger, the standards aren’t going to change.”

Although Brown doesn’t hold a psychology degree, she has developed skills that enable players to gain confidence and remain present. “She made me a believer,” said sixth-grade guard Angela Dugalich, who was initially skeptical about these methods. “The way she talks makes you feel like you really should believe in it.”

Before practices, the team often watches highlight clips of successful plays. This approach leverages the idea that the brain can’t tell the difference between real and imagined practice, essentially giving the players extra practice time mentally.

They also engage in feedback sessions where they articulate positive thoughts about their abilities and express mutual respect and needs within the team.

Much of Brown’s program revolves around self-image, self-awareness, and inner dialogue. The key idea is to converse with oneself rather than merely listen to negative thoughts.

“All the thoughts you have are not real thoughts,” Brown pointed out. “Maybe you feel you didn’t play well—well, you missed a couple of shots, but that doesn’t define you.”

After adapting concepts from outside psychologists and acting as a bridge for the team, Brown was informally appointed as the team’s psychologist. Her ability to connect with players naturally made this role fitting.

UCLA coach Cori Close noted that players appreciated all their instructors but found Coach T’s enthusiasm particularly impactful. “That was really the turning point,” she said.

Dugalich believes mental conditioning could be the future of basketball and suggests other teams should follow their lead, as it’s just as vital as honing technical skills or analyzing opponents.

“Basketball is an imperfect game,” Brown acknowledged. “Learning to control your emotions and thoughts can turn those brief moments of panic into an opportunity to reset and move forward.”

As teams reach this stage in the season, Close emphasizes that the mental aspect often outweighs the physical. The ability to reset quickly when things don’t go as planned can be a game-changer.

“At this level, everyone’s talented, competing fiercely,” Rice added. “Finding ways to step up and play with heart, while staying in the moment—that’s huge.”