UCLA Women’s Basketball Celebrates NCAA Championship

The atmosphere in Pauley Pavilion was electric, filled with excitement and pride as UCLA’s women’s basketball team celebrated their first NCAA Championship victory.

Just three days after their triumphant win, players and coaches gathered with around 5,000 fans in their home arena. They were formally introduced, confetti filled the air, and the championship trophy was once again raised high in celebration.

“This team is truly the best team I’ve ever been a part of,” said point guard Kiki Rice to the sea of supporters. “These girls will be my sisters for life.”

Messages from former champions, including Dennis Curry and Ann Meyers Drysdale from the 1978 AIAW title team, added to the emotion of the occasion. They expressed their pride in how the current players represented UCLA.

Of course, there was also a dance routine. Lauren Betts, Gabriella Jacks, and Charlisse Leger-Walker performed a lively dance, reminiscent of their earlier celebrations, including the victory over South Carolina in the championship game.

Coach Cori Close highlighted how this team’s success has challenged the longstanding belief that UCLA could not thrive in the crowded Southern California sports scene. “Los Angeles cares about basketball right now,” Close emphasized, urging fans to take credit for the revival.

Betts reflected on her confidence in the team, recalling their victory over Oklahoma State in the NCAA Tournament. It seems like goodbyes only led to more celebrations.

“It meant a lot to us to pivot and come to Pauley,” said sharpshooter Angela Dugalich, underscoring the significance of the day.

The festivities didn’t stop there. The Bruins were also honored at a Lakers game and made appearances on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” Rice and Betts were set to appear at Raising Cane on Sunset Boulevard. Anticipation surrounded their appearance at a Dodgers game, especially after Dodgers manager Dave Roberts—who once played for the Bruins—shared his congratulations on the Pauley Pavilion scoreboard.

Moving forward, the future looks bright for the Bruins, with several players projected as potential first-round selections in the upcoming WNBA Draft. “It was really crazy,” Betts said, reflecting on the unexpected magnitude of the attention they received post-victory. “Winning the national championship has been unbelievable—I never thought I’d find myself on Jimmy Kimmel.”

There was also a heartfelt reunion with former teammate Izzy Anstey, who flew in from Australia just to celebrate the championship. “I was in shock. I hadn’t seen her in over two years,” Dugarich shared, recalling the emotional moment.

Teammate Megan Grant, who rejoined the Bruins after spending time on the softball team, surprised her friends during the celebration. “We were so excited because we didn’t know she was coming,” said security guard Gianna Neepkens.

This team is clearly dedicated to passing on their legacy. Reflecting on the inspiration they wish to provide to future generations, Betts shared, “I hope they respect me first as a person and second as an athlete. In the end, it’s how you treat people that really matters.”

As the confetti rained down, the Bruins left the court, ready for another round of celebrations, including an upcoming honor slated at the Intuit Dome.