The music was pumping, hugs were heartfelt, and those white championship hats made a swift appearance inside Pauley Pavilion. UCLA didn’t just notch another win; they clinched their first-ever Big Ten regular-season championship, doing so with undeniable authority.
For a program that’s been around since 1974 and boasts a national title from the AIAW days, this is unexplored terrain-and it feels like the dawn of something monumental.
From West Coast Roots to Midwest Powerhouse
UCLA women’s basketball has a storied past. The Bruins claimed the 1978 AIAW national championship with Ann Meyers at the helm and have consistently produced WNBA talent and tournament-worthy teams. However, that sustained, national-title-level buzz has been elusive.
Enter Cori Close in 2011, who methodically rebuilt the program’s foundation. Last season’s Final Four berth felt like a breakthrough moment.
Then came the seismic conference shift.
In 2024, UCLA officially joined the Big Ten Conference following the Pac-12's collapse. This move brought tougher travel, colder road games, and a more physical style of play.
But instead of a slow adjustment, the Bruins seized control. In just their second season in the league, they’ve ascended to the top.
A Team Built for March Madness
This roster screams championship contender. Lauren Betts has been a force in the paint, dominating the boards and protecting the rim. Her presence allows UCLA to dictate the pace and exhaust opponents over four quarters.
Surrounding her are seasoned guards like Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez, who bring stability. They play with composure, defend with intent, and know how to close out games. This blend of size, poise, and defensive tenacity is precisely what wins in March.
Not Just Along for the Ride
For years, the UConn Huskies have set the standard in women’s college basketball. Now, UCLA is right there in the conversation.
With just one loss this season, the Bruins have steamrolled through Big Ten play. They’ve already shown they can reach the Final Four, and this year, they look even more complete.
Should a UCLA-UConn showdown occur in the NCAA tournament, it wouldn’t feel like an upset in the making. It would be two powerhouses clashing on the grandest stage.
Beyond the Banner
Winning the Big Ten in only their second year sends a powerful message. It tells recruits that UCLA can thrive in any conference.
It tells the nation that last season was no fluke. And it underscores that Cori Close has crafted a program built to last.
The Bruins have their first Big Ten title. But with the way they’re playing, they’re not just celebrating a conference crown. They’re positioning themselves to chase something even greater.