TAMPA, Fla. — Cori Close, who skillfully guided UCLA to its inaugural women’s Final Four in what is considered one of the most successful seasons in the university’s history, was honored as Coach of the Year. The Bruins reached a historic milestone, achieving the No. 1 spot in the national rankings for the first time and maintaining their top position for an impressive 14 weeks as they forged their path to the top seed in the women’s NCAA Tournament.
Close expressed deep gratitude to her players and staff, acknowledging the collective effort that made the achievement possible. She shared her appreciation, stating, “I’m thankful to be surrounded by the players and staff I have. It’s a really nice thing. It does give me an opportunity to say thank you to all the people who have poured into me all the years. Never be here without village of people who mentored me, who have come alongside me in difficult times.”
The recognition came after 16 votes were cast by the 31-member media panel that participates weekly in the AP Top 25 voting. Trailing her achievement, Mark Campbell of TCU received five votes, while Vic Schaefer, who led Texas to their first Final Four since 2003, obtained three votes, and Kentucky’s Kenny Brooks acquired two votes.
Upon taking the helm at UCLA in 2011, Close faced only two losing seasons, marking her as a pivotal figure in the program’s current success. “UCLA was my first ever head coaching job. They took a chance on this kid who was from California and had spent some time at UCLA,” Close reminisced during Thursday’s celebration, expressing her lasting gratitude.
Close is distinguished as the first UCLA women’s coach to receive this award—a noteworthy accomplishment, placing her alongside her late mentor, John Wooden, who won the men’s award five times. Reflecting on this connection, Close remarked, “The reality is to have been mentored by him and to have a chance to even pay it forward to other people the same way he paid his success forward to me is indescribable. To have my name associated with his in a small way is humbling.” She hoped Wooden’s family viewed this as an expression of her thanks.
Additionally, Close acknowledged the AP Player of the Year, JuJu Watkins from Southern California. Watkins joined the ceremony virtually while recovering from an ACL injury. Close highlighted the renewed vigor in women’s basketball in Los Angeles, connecting the rejuvenation efforts between UCLA and USC. “We’re both partnering to be a part of growing women’s basketball in all of Los Angeles,” she said.
Looking ahead to the semifinal matchup against UConn, the Bruins are just two victories away from capturing their first NCAA championship, reminiscent of their national title in 1978, before women’s basketball became part of the NCAA tournaments.
This season, the Bruins only succumbed to defeat twice, both times to USC. However, they avenged these losses by triumphing over USC to win the Big Ten Tournament, marking their first year in the league. Setting a school record with 34 wins in a single season, UCLA highlighted their dominance with 23 consecutive victories, 22 of which were claimed with double-digit leads.
Close attributed this season’s success to hard work and cohesive teamwork, sharing her thoughts, “I was expecting that if this group could maintain their work ethic and maintain their selflessness we could do special things. I thought we had the talent and if we add the character and chemistry we’d have a chance.”