The numbers
Cori Close has made a significant impact on women’s basketball as the head coach of UCLA since 2011, amassing an impressive 350 wins during her tenure. Under her leadership, the team achieved its first-ever Final Four appearance in the 2024-25 season, marking a historic milestone for the program.
Before joining UCLA, Close served as the associate head coach at Florida State for seven seasons, where she honed her skills and developed a deep understanding of the game. Her journey began at the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she was a team captain in 1992 and 1993, laying the foundation for her future coaching career.
In the 2025 season, Close’s team boasted a remarkable record of 35-1, winning 29 consecutive games after suffering their only loss. This season culminated in a challenging Final Four matchup against Texas, where UCLA scored 76 points, but fell short to Texas’s 65 points. At halftime, UCLA faced a daunting 20-point deficit, yet they rallied to cut the gap to just four points in the fourth quarter, showcasing their resilience.
Close’s coaching style emphasizes teamwork and confidence, as highlighted by player Gabriela Jaquez, who stated, “I think that’s the big one. Coming out ready to play, coming out to get every loose ball, creating catches, playing as a team — and just play like we know how to play, play confident.” This approach has not only shaped the players on the court but has also fostered a strong sense of community within the team.
Close’s personal life intertwines with her professional journey, as her mother, Patti Close, affectionately known as ‘Mother Bruin,’ has been a constant presence at UCLA games. Patti has traveled with the team to Europe and Africa, supporting her daughter and the program. Cori has expressed gratitude for the team’s kindness towards her mother, stating, “That’s a gift to me, for our team to be so kind to my mom, to give purpose for my mom.”
In addition to her coaching accolades, Close’s father, Don Close, was a former college football player and high school coach, who passed away in 2021 after battling vascular dementia. His legacy continues to inspire Cori as she leads her team with passion and dedication.
Looking ahead, Close has hinted at the possibility of pursuing opportunities in the WNBA, stating, “I’ve considered going to the WNBA.” As the basketball community watches her career unfold, observers are eager to see how she will continue to shape the future of women’s basketball.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding her next steps, but one thing is clear: Cori Close has established herself as a transformative figure in women’s basketball, and her journey is far from over.