Cori Close has become a household name in the world of women’s college basketball. She has taken the UCLA women’s basketball program to new heights, completely transforming the team’s identity and bringing them to the forefront of the sport.
Before Close’s arrival, the UCLA women’s basketball team had a decent record, reaching 11 NCAA tournaments in 30 seasons. However, in her 14-year tenure as head coach, Close has led the team to 9 NCAA tournaments, including their first ever Final Four appearance last year. This is an impressive feat, considering the team had only reached the Final Four once before in their entire history.
But Close’s impact on the UCLA women’s basketball program goes beyond just tournament appearances. She has instilled a winning mentality and a strong work ethic in her players, which has translated into success on the court. Under her guidance, the team has achieved a record of 297-143, making her the winningest coach in UCLA women’s basketball history.
One of Close’s biggest achievements has been taking the team to their first-ever AP No. 1 rank in program history. This is a huge milestone for any team, and it speaks to the level of talent and dedication that Close has brought to the program. Her players have bought into her vision and have worked tirelessly to reach this level of success.
But it hasn’t been an easy journey for Close and her team. They have faced numerous challenges, both on and off the court. One particular off-court problem has been a major roadblock for the team – lack of fan support. Despite their impressive record and achievements, the UCLA women’s basketball team has struggled to attract a large fanbase.
This lack of fan support has been a constant source of frustration for Close. In an interview, she revealed that even during their Final Four run last year, the team had a hard time filling up the stands. This is a stark contrast to the men’s basketball team at UCLA, which has a huge fan following and regularly sells out their games.
Close believes that this lack of support for women’s basketball is a systemic issue that needs to be addressed. She acknowledges that there is still a long way to go in terms of gender equality in sports, and women’s basketball often falls to the wayside. But she is determined to change this narrative and bring more recognition and support to her team.
Despite this challenge, Close and her team have continued to work hard and achieve success on the court. Last year’s Final Four run was a testament to their resilience and determination. They proved that they can compete with the best of the best and that they are a force to be reckoned with in women’s college basketball.
Close’s leadership and coaching style have been instrumental in the team’s success. She is not just a coach, but also a mentor and a role model for her players. She has created a culture of excellence and accountability, where each player is encouraged to reach their full potential and contribute to the team’s success.
Her players have nothing but praise for Close and the impact she has had on their lives. They credit her for helping them grow not just as athletes, but also as individuals. Close’s strong emphasis on academics and community service has also shaped her players into well-rounded individuals.
As the UCLA women’s basketball program continues to flourish under Close’s guidance, it is clear that she has changed the face of the team. She has set a new standard of excellence and has proven that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
But for Close, the journey is far from over. She is determined to keep pushing the boundaries and taking her team to even greater heights. She hopes that with their continued success, more people will start to take notice and support women’s basketball at UCLA.
In conclusion, Cori Close has been a game-changer for the UCLA women’s basketball program. Her dedication, passion, and leadership have transformed the team into a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. She has overcome challenges and continues to inspire her players to reach for the stars. With Close at the helm, the future looks bright for the UCLA women’s basketball program.
