Cori Close and the Bruins bring the NCAA trophy home to Pauley Pavilion

Head coach Cori Close speaks to the crowd during the celebration for the NCAA Champion UCLA Bruins Women’s basketball team, Wednesday April 8, 2026, in Los Angeles, Calif. LOS ANGELES - When the buzzer rang and UCLA officially became the 2026 NCAA champions , there was one thing that head coach Cori Close kept circling back to in the litany of interviews that followed: the village. Anyone who played a part in building and supporting what became a championship team from coaches and staff to the Bruins faithful themselves.

On Wednesday, Close and the Bruins brought the NCAA trophy back to the village. It was the fulfillment of a lesson that John Wooden taught her long ago. “He used to say that if you are going to go about something like that, make sure it's not just about you.

Maybe not just about your team or sometimes not even just about the university. But make sure what you accomplish is also good for the baker, the banker and the community you have the privilege to serve,” Close said. Confetti fills Pauley Pavilion as the UCLA Bruins and their fans celebrate during the celebration for the NCAA Champion UCLA Bruins Women’s basketball team, Wednesday April 8, 2026, in Los Angeles, Calif.

Jordan Teller - The Sporting Tribune Confetti fills Pauley Pavilion as the UCLA Bruins and their fans celebrate during the celebration for the NCAA Champion UCLA Bruins Women’s basketball team, Wednesday April 8, 2026, in Los Angeles, Calif. Past acknowledges present Fans packed Pauley Pavilion for what’s officially the last time this season to receive the Bruins on a star-studded night for fans of UCLA’s history. Among the marquee speakers were Denise Curry and Ann Meyers, who appeared in a video message.