UCLA women's basketball head coach Cori Close isn't going anywhere—and Bruins fans have every reason to celebrate. The university announced Tuesday that Close has signed a contract extension through the 2029-30 season, just weeks after she led the program to its first-ever NCAA championship. It's a fitting reward for a coach who has turned Westwood into a powerhouse.
"I am so grateful to Chancellor Frenk and Martin Jarmond for the opportunity to continue teaching and mentoring the young women who choose UCLA," Close said in a statement. "I love being here in Westwood, and I am so excited for what the future holds. I hope we can continue to make our Bruin faithful proud."
Close took the helm in 2011 and has since compiled an impressive 358-144 record over 15 seasons. Under her guidance, the Bruins have made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances, including back-to-back Final Four runs in 2025 and 2026. While their first trip to the Final Four ended in a tough semifinal loss, this spring's championship run was nothing short of dominant—culminating in a 79-51 rout of South Carolina that secured the title.
The celebrations didn't stop there. A week later, five Bruins from the championship roster were selected in the first round of the WNBA draft, setting a record for the most first-round picks from a single school in one draft. It's a testament to Close's ability to develop talent and prepare players for the next level.
With a coach who values preparation, hard work, and loyalty, UCLA's future looks as bright as the California sunshine. For fans looking to rep their champion Bruins, now is the perfect time to gear up and show your support for a program that's just getting started.
