UCLA Women's Basketball Coach Cori Close Faces Player Departures and NIL Challenges

UCLA's women's basketball team is losing its entire starting lineup, with six key players leaving. This is a major change after their Final Four appearance.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

DISCIPLINE, REALITY CHECKS MARK COACHING APPROACH

Cori Close, head coach of the UCLA women's basketball team, faces a landscape demanding constant adaptation, from player transfers driven by Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities to the perennial pursuit of an NCAA title. Close’s philosophy, underscored by tangible reminders like a shovel and broom hanging in her office, emphasizes a disciplined focus on what is within her control, a principle she extends to her players. This deliberate approach comes as the team confronts significant roster changes, with key contributors departing.

The coach's strategy involves cultivating mental fortitude by distinguishing between controllable actions and external factors, a practice that aims to mitigate the pervasive pressures of modern college athletics. This mindset is crucial as UCLA prepares for a future that will look markedly different, with the impending departure of six key contributors, including the entire starting lineup from the previous season. The pressure to secure the program's first NCAA tournament title this season intensifies with the current core players still on board.

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IMPENDING ROSTER CHANGES TEST CLOSE'S SUSTAINABILITY

The upcoming season promises a significant overhaul for the Bruins. With stars like Lauren Betts, Kiki Rice, and Gabriela Jaquez set to leave, the team faces a considerable rebuild. Despite these looming departures, Close reportedly remains focused on "reloading" rather than embarking on a full-scale rebuild, signaling a continued commitment to competitive play. This shift comes after a period of significant program success, including the team's first-ever Final Four appearance, followed by the departure of the entire freshman class to the transfer portal, a move directly linked to the evolving dynamics of NIL.

Cori Close confronts success and burnout at UCLA - 1

Close has publicly acknowledged the profound impact NIL decisions have had on the coaching profession and the nature of college athletics. Her experience spans various facets of the game, from her time with the UCSB Gauchos to her current tenure at UCLA. The coach’s perspective on NIL has been described as direct, noting the potential for such decisions to be "shallow and short-lived."

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BALANCING EXCELLENCE WITH PLAYER WELL-BEING

Close's tenure at UCLA, now in her 15th season, has seen her become the winningest women's basketball coach in school history, with a record of 348-149. This success is attributed, in part, to her emphasis on balance and integrity, qualities lauded by observers and reflected in the character of her players. Her coaching methods extend to family involvement, ensuring a comprehensive plan for player development and success.

The coach has also navigated the unique challenges of coaching siblings, as seen with Lauren and Sienna Betts. While Sienna committed to UCLA, Lauren's initial interest lay elsewhere, requiring Close to engage families to align player aspirations with program goals. This dedication to individual player journeys, coupled with the drive for team achievements like securing an NCAA title, defines Close's coaching ethos. The team's current representation of UCLA with "integrity, grit and excellence" has been noted as a hallmark of her leadership.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why are many players leaving the UCLA women's basketball team?
Many players are leaving UCLA's women's basketball team because of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which offer new opportunities. Six key players, including the entire starting lineup from last season, are departing.
Q: What is Coach Cori Close's plan for the team after these players leave?
Coach Close plans to 'reload' the team instead of a full rebuild. She focuses on what she can control and building mental strength in her players.
Q: How has NIL affected college basketball, according to Coach Close?
Coach Close has said that NIL decisions can be 'shallow and short-lived.' The changes in college sports due to NIL have greatly impacted coaching and team rosters.
Q: What has been Coach Close's success at UCLA?
Cori Close is the winningest women's basketball coach in UCLA history with a record of 348-149. She led the team to their first-ever Final Four appearance.
Q: How does Coach Close handle player well-being and team goals?
Close focuses on balance and integrity, working with players and their families. She aims to achieve team goals like winning an NCAA title while supporting individual player journeys.