Cori Close’s Historic Night Made Sweeter as UCLA Crushes South Carolina in National Championship Game
After years of hard work, perseverance, and dedication, UCLA’s women’s basketball team has finally reached the top of the mountain. Led by head coach Cori Close, the Bruins have quietly revolutionized the program and captured their first-ever National Championship title. But what makes this victory even sweeter is the fact that it came against the South Carolina Gamecocks, the very team that knocked them out of the Sweet 16 in 2023.
Close’s journey to the top has not been an easy one. When she took over as the head coach of UCLA’s women’s basketball team in 2011, the program was struggling. The team had not made an appearance in the NCAA tournament for three consecutive years and had only recorded one winning season in the previous seven years. But Close was determined to turn things around and restore UCLA’s women’s basketball team to its former glory.
Close’s coaching philosophy was centered on building a strong team culture and focusing on player development. She believed that success on the court is a byproduct of fostering a positive and supportive environment off the court. Close’s approach has paid off, as evidenced by the team’s steady improvement over the years.
In her first season as head coach, Close led the Bruins to a winning record and a postseason berth in the WNIT. This was just the beginning of a remarkable journey that would see the Bruins become national contenders.
Under Close’s leadership, UCLA became known for its dominant defense, which led the nation in fewest points allowed per game in the 2016-2017 season. The Bruins also made history by reaching the Elite Eight for the first time in school history in 2018. But Close and her team were not satisfied with just reaching the Elite Eight; they wanted to go all the way.
And that’s exactly what they did. In an exhilarating and hard-fought matchup against the South Carolina Gamecocks, the Bruins emerged as the victors with a final score of 65-57. It was a historic night for UCLA, as they not only secured their first-ever National Championship title but also became the first team to beat the Gamecocks in the NCAA tournament since 2015.
Close’s role in this feat cannot be overstated. Her unwavering belief in her team and her dedication to their growth and development have been instrumental in their success. She has not only built a strong team culture but has also developed players who have gone on to become some of the best in the country. Her leadership has been a driving force in UCLA’s rise to the top.
But Close’s impact stretches far beyond the basketball court. She is a role model for her players, known for her ability to balance toughness and compassion. She has instilled in her team the values of hard work, discipline, and resilience, which have undoubtedly contributed to their success.
The significance of this victory cannot be understated. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Close and her team, who never gave up and continued to push forward despite facing challenges. It is also a testament to the strength and determination of the women’s basketball program at UCLA, which has finally reached its full potential.
For Close and her team, this victory is the culmination of years of hard work, sweat, and tears. It is a moment they will cherish forever, and one that will go down in the history books of UCLA’s women’s basketball program. But for Close, it is just the beginning. She will continue to push her team to be the best they can be, and she will continue to inspire and empower them to reach new heights.
In the end, the victory over South Carolina was more than just a game; it was a symbol of resilience, determination, and the power of believing in oneself. And with Cori Close at the helm, the future looks bright for UCLA’s women’s basketball team. The Bruins have cemented their place on the big stage, and they have Close to thank for it.
