LOS ANGELES — This weekend, the top-ranked UCLA women’s basketball team will travel to Indiana for two significant games that will evoke memories of the legendary Hall of Fame coach John Wooden, who made his mark in his home state.
Wooden is celebrated for his extraordinary coaching career, leading the UCLA men’s teams to an unparalleled ten NCAA championships, including a remarkable seven consecutive titles. Throughout his life, Wooden was a familiar figure at Pauley Pavilion, frequently attending both men’s and women’s games until his passing in 2010 at the age of 99.
Head coach Cori Close, who began her journey at UCLA as an assistant before taking the helm in 2011, fondly recalls her first meeting with Wooden. Encouraged by Steve Lavin, a men’s assistant coach, Close visited Wooden and quickly developed a close bond with him, especially after he discovered that her name matched that of one of his granddaughters.
“He has greatly influenced my coaching philosophy and what I aspire to leave as my legacy,” Close expressed. “My goal is to touch people’s hearts in the way Coach Wooden touched mine.”
Wooden’s legacy continues to resonate in the program, with his granddaughter, Cathleen Trapani, attending a recent game at Pauley Pavilion, where a special gold seat symbolizes Wooden’s enduring association with UCLA.
This trip marks the Bruins’ first genuine Big Ten road experience, with a current record of 14-0 and 3-0 in the conference. They successfully debuted in their new league last month against Washington, another school that transitioned from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, which now boasts 18 teams.
The games take place in a state where basketball reigns supreme, and Close intends to immerse her players in the rich history of the sport as she reflects on Wooden’s teachings. “As we approach Purdue, I want our players to understand the significance of this occasion and how our approach is rooted in Coach Wooden’s lessons,” she said.
The Bruins will face Indiana on Saturday in a highly-anticipated matchup at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, known for its distinct architectural design that amplifies sound, making it one of the loudest arenas in college basketball. Located just 28 miles from Martinsville, where Wooden led his high school team to a state championship in 1927, the arena is a symbol of basketball greatness, bearing signature honors to Wooden on its court.
“Knowing how prominent basketball is in Indiana, especially growing up on the East Coast, I’m thrilled for this chance,” said guard Kiki Rice. The Hoosiers, currently with a record of 10-3 and on a six-game winning streak, will challenge the Bruins at home, boasting a strong 7-1 record in their arena.
Forward Angela Dugalic, who hails from the Chicago suburbs, echoed this sentiment, noting, “Indiana is renowned for its basketball heritage, and playing in their iconic gym, especially with family and friends present, adds to the excitement. If we adhere to the scouting report and focus on what we can control, it should be a promising game for us.”
The significance of Wooden is particularly felt at Purdue University, his alma mater, where he thrived as a three-time All-American between 1930 and 1932. Following the contest against Indiana, the Bruins will take on the Boilermakers at Mackey Arena, situated on John R. Wooden Drive in West Lafayette. Known for its unique design and noise levels, the venue can host 14,876 fans, and while this season has seen an average attendance of just over 4,000, the fact that the No. 1 ranked team is visiting is likely to draw a substantial crowd.
“Playing in such intense environments is something I relish,” Rice commented. “There’s an added motivation when you’re in an arena filled with opposing fans.”
Meanwhile, the Hoosiers have been averaging more than 10,000 fans this season, significantly higher than UCLA’s home average of 5,051. Last season, Indiana was among five Big Ten women’s teams to surpass the 10,000 mark in average attendance, further highlighting the state’s enthusiasm for women’s basketball.
“I anticipate an electric atmosphere at Indiana, and we plan to harness that energy,” Close noted. “It’s a testament to the love for basketball in Indiana, including their support for women’s basketball highlighted by the Fever last season. Competing in this state is a remarkable opportunity.”