LOS ANGELES (AP) – The UCLA Bruins marked their inaugural NCAA women’s basketball championship with a celebration at Pauley Pavilion on Wednesday night, bringing together players, fans, and alumni.
Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, and Charlisse Leger-Walker highlighted the festivities by performing a TikTok dance on the court, with the championship trophy prominently displayed behind them.
Team and Fan Celebration
The celebration featured Jaquez leading the crowd in an enthusiastic eight-clap cheer, accompanied by the school’s fight song played by the band. Mascots Joe Bruin and Josie Bruin joined in the fun, dancing alongside the team.
The event followed the Bruins’ impressive 79-51 victory over South Carolina in the championship game, which attracted an average of 9.9 million viewers, marking it as the third most-watched women’s championship game since 1996.
Coach Cori Close’s Reflections
Coach Cori Close reminisced about her journey since taking the helm in 2011, recalling skepticism about her ability to engage Los Angeles with women’s basketball. The crowd responded with booing, emphasizing their support.
“Let me tell you,” Close remarked. “L.A. cares about women’s basketball now and you guys helped do that.” Her heartfelt acknowledgment received a standing ovation from both her team and the audience, who chanted her name.
Future Recognition
In the future, Pauley Pavilion will display a banner commemorating the Bruins’ first NCAA women’s basketball title, joining the existing banner from the 1978 AIAW championship.
Denise Curry, a former player from the 1978 team, expressed her excitement, stating, “It’s getting some company. I can’t wait.”
Tributes and Legacy
In a video message, Ann Meyers Drysdale, a Bruins legend, congratulated the team, emphasizing the significance of their achievement: “This is your TLC moment – your team, your legacy, your championship.”
Close highlighted the emotional weight of the title, stating, “It’s such a symbol of something that’s really made a difference in my life.”
Cultural Tribute
A group from the Tamaki Basketball Academy in Auckland, New Zealand, performed a traditional Maori dance in honor of Leger-Walker, who embraced her heritage by wrapping herself in her country’s flag. The group traveled specifically to perform at the celebration.
“I’m the first New Zealand women’s basketball player to ever win a national title,” Leger-Walker said. “It’s huge for the kids back home to see that this is possible for them, too.”
Post-Celebration Activities
Following the event, the Bruins attended a Clippers game against Oklahoma City, having already visited the Lakers and participated in Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show. They are scheduled to attend a Dodgers game next week.
“I did wake up this morning after a couple more hours of sleep and I’m like, ‘Wow, this is real. I did wake up again and I’m still a national champion,'” Leger-Walker laughed.
Personal Touches
Betts sported a backward championship cap adorned with a piece of the net, proudly declaring, “This is my net, man. No one can take this from me. It’s mine forever.”