LOS ANGELES — Lauren Betts and her UCLA team members rejoiced in the Bruins’ inaugural NCAA women’s basketball title alongside their supporters at Pauley Pavilion on Wednesday evening.
“This particular squad is destined for historical recognition,” Betts declared. “We have genuinely merited this achievement.”
The celebration culminated with Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Charlisse Leger-Walker stepping onto the court to perform their TikTok routine, the championship trophy gleaming behind them. Angela Dugalic, meanwhile, created a snow angel amidst the blue-and-gold confetti scattered over the floor.
Jaquez conveyed to the assembly, which occupied a segment of the venue, “This ensemble is truly exceptional. We are all closest companions.”
An energetic eight-clap was orchestrated by Jaquez; the band loudly played the university’s fight song, and the mascots, Joe Bruin and Josie Bruin, commenced dancing.
Since their decisive 79-51 triumph over South Carolina in Sunday’s title match in Phoenix, it has been a frenetic period for the Bruins. The contest attracted an average of 9.9 million spectators, making it the third most-watched women’s championship event since 1996.
Coach Cori Close reminisced about her arrival in Westwood as head coach in 2011, when someone expressed uncertainty about her ability to ever generate significant interest in women’s basketball within Los Angeles.
The assembly voiced its disapproval.
“Allow me to affirm,” she stated. “Los Angeles now values women’s basketball, and your collective efforts greatly contributed to this.”
Her squad and the supporters, who vociferated “Cori! Cori!”, gave Close an enthusiastic standing ovation.
“I wish to express my gratitude to you all,” she remarked. “Securing a championship undeniably requires a collective effort.”
Ultimately, a banner emblematic of the inaugural NCAA women’s basketball title will be elevated to the rafters of Pauley Pavilion. Presently, the sole women’s basketball title banner there commemorates the school’s 1978 AIAW championship, the forerunner to the NCAA.
“It’s acquiring some companions. I eagerly anticipate it,” remarked Denise Curry, who was prominently featured for the Bruins on that squad, alongside Ann Meyers Drysdale.
Through a video message, Meyers Drysdale conveyed to the squad, “This marks your TLC moment – your team, your heritage, your triumph.”
Behind the Bruins’ bench, John Wooden’s lone gold seat, set within an expanse of blue ones, remained unoccupied. He had guided the men’s teams to 10 national titles, including seven consecutive ones, and served as an advisor to Close prior to his passing in 2010.
Now, Close’s triumphant journey will be acknowledged within the same esteemed company as Wooden.
“It stands as such an emblem of something that has profoundly impacted my life,” she articulated.
Jim, Wooden’s son, conveyed felicitations to Close via text. Cori Anderson, Wooden’s great-granddaughter, dispatched a photo depicting her and her daughter attired in UCLA apparel.
“They have been exceptionally generous towards me,” Close commented.
The squad’s six seniors ascended the platform before a diverse group of grown-ups and young children.
“We could not have accomplished this without your support,” Jaquez stated. “I wish to acknowledge all the youngsters who bestowed upon us friendship bracelets, treats, and messages.”
A contingent of youthful males from the Tamaki Basketball Academy in Auckland, New Zealand, executed a conventional Maori dance, denoting reverence and esteem for Leger-Walker, who enveloped herself in her homeland’s banner. This group journeyed by air to Los Angeles solely to perform at the festivities.
“I am the inaugural New Zealand women’s basketball player to ever achieve a national title, so that has generated considerable discussion,” she mentioned prior to the gathering. “It’s quite significant for the youngsters back home to witness that this is also feasible for them.”
The Bruins subsequently proceeded to the Clippers game against Oklahoma City. They had previously attended a Lakers game and Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night program. In the upcoming week, they are scheduled to be at a Dodgers game.
“I indeed awoke this morning after securing a couple of additional hours of sleep and thought, ‘Wow, this is genuine. I awoke once more, and I remain a national victor,'” Leger-Walker remarked, chortling.
Betts was donning an inverted victorious headwear, with a fragment of the net tucked at the front.
“This net is my possession, truly,” she declared. “No one can deprive me of this. It belongs to me eternally.”