dailyloe.com – The UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team faces South Carolina in the NCAA championship game in Phoenix. This marks the program’s first appearance in the national title game. The Bruins have been a top-three team all season, led by six seniors and head coach Cori Close.
Coach Close has emphasized enjoying the journey over fixating on the destination. She is determined to let her team grow as people while competing. This philosophy has created a unique team culture that blends focus with fun.
UCLA’s season has been marked by visible joy and team bonding. Players engage in postgame TikToks and maintain social media channels like Charlisse Leger-Walker’s YouTube. The team’s viral dance routines have also become a signature part of their identity.
Despite the lighthearted exterior, players maintain a serious competitive mindset. Senior center Lauren Betts acknowledges this is the final run for over half the roster. Graduate forward Angela Dugalic described their tournament journey as a business trip.
Guard Gabriela Jaquez explained the team’s balanced approach to the game. She stated that basketball is their job and they take it super seriously. However, the team makes a conscious effort to have fun while doing it.
The central question for UCLA is how to balance enjoyment with domination. Their season demonstrates that the two are not mutually exclusive. Their fun-loving approach has not hindered their performance on the court.
UCLA’s path to the championship game validates their unique team philosophy. They have successfully danced their way to the final game of the season. Now they face their ultimate test against a powerhouse South Carolina program.[]
Source: Yahoo Sports
