How UCLA women's basketball has chosen joy this season

UCLA guard Gabriela Jaquez (11) waving to the crowd after the win during an NCAA women's basketball game against Southern University, Friday March 21, 2025 in Los Angeles, Calif LOS ANGELES - The Bruins have found a way to enjoy the moment this season. Every moment. Of course, their success this season has given them plenty of moments to enjoy.

An undefeated run through the Big Ten Conference and repeat as Big Ten tournament champions have been marquee moments this season and now they’re looking to carry that energy through March Madness. Through all the heights, it’s been apparent that joy is an emphasis, success or otherwise. The Bruins have looked like as much like a family as they have a basketball team, with head coach Cori Close as the matriarch.

UCLA women's basketball celebrates a win over Southern University on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. Jack Haslett -- The Sporting Tribune UCLA women's basketball celebrates a win over Southern University on Sunday, November 23, 2025 at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. Of course, for a team that spends so much time together on and off the court, playing and practicing, traveling across the country and living together, actually liking to be around each other is a big plus.

“We all know how long the season is… But, if we can have fun during those times and enjoy every single moment we spend with each other, it’s just going to make us play better. It’s going to make us want to be around each other more and I feel like some of our best moments have been off the court,” senior guard Kiki Rice said. Some of those joyous moments have made their way to the public eye, like the now-viral dance that senior center Lauren Betts , senior forward Gabriela Jaquez and graduate guard Charlisse Leger-Walker performed during halftime of a UCLA men’s basketball game.