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Lauren Betts will go down as one of the best athletes to play at UCLA in school history. The women’s basketball star added another huge accolade to her legendary career when she was named the Big Ten Female Athlete of the Year on Wednesday.
“What an honor for Lauren,” said UCLA coach Cori Close, per UCLA Athletics. “She has earned so much, and we’re just proud of her. Lauren has grown both as a basketball player and as a person, and she’s a shining example of what it means to be a Bruin. This is such a deserved honor and award for an awesome human being, and we love that Lauren is being recognized on the national stage. A huge congratulations to Lauren!”
Apr 5, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close congratulates center Lauren Betts (51) as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After transferring to UCLA from Stanford ahead of her sophomore season, Betts helped lead UCLA to the program’s first NCAA title this season. She was named the 2026 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player for her standout performance across the tournament.
Additionally, Betts was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year, which marked the first time an athlete won both awards in the same season.
Betts is now a rookie on the Washington Mystics, alongside former UCLA forward Angela Dugalić and assistant coach Michael Onyenwere. All three were part of UCLA’s national championship team last season.
As the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Betts was one of the most anticipated rookies entering the league this season.
She is currently averaging 16.2 minutes per game and has made one start across 20 games with the Mystics. Betts is Washington’s backup center behind 2025 AP Comeback Player of the Year, Shakira Austin.
Betts has averaged 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds so far this season.
Jul 6, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics center Lauren Betts (51) attempts to drive past Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) during the second quarter at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The post Lauren Betts’ Dominant UCLA Career Ends With Another Huge Honor appeared first on LA Sports Report.
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“What an honor for Lauren,” said UCLA coach Cori Close, per UCLA Athletics. “She has earned so much, and we’re just proud of her. Lauren has grown both as a basketball player and as a person, and she’s a shining example of what it means to be a Bruin. This is such a deserved honor and award for an awesome human being, and we love that Lauren is being recognized on the national stage. A huge congratulations to Lauren!”
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Apr 5, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close congratulates center Lauren Betts (51) as she heads to the bench in the fourth quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks during the National Championship game of the women’s 2026 NCAA Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
After transferring to UCLA from Stanford ahead of her sophomore season, Betts helped lead UCLA to the program’s first NCAA title this season. She was named the 2026 NCAA Tournament’s Most Outstanding Player for her standout performance across the tournament.
Additionally, Betts was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year and Big Ten Player of the Year, which marked the first time an athlete won both awards in the same season.
Betts is now a rookie on the Washington Mystics, alongside former UCLA forward Angela Dugalić and assistant coach Michael Onyenwere. All three were part of UCLA’s national championship team last season.
How Is Betts’ Rookie Season in the WNBA Going?
As the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft, Betts was one of the most anticipated rookies entering the league this season.
She is currently averaging 16.2 minutes per game and has made one start across 20 games with the Mystics. Betts is Washington’s backup center behind 2025 AP Comeback Player of the Year, Shakira Austin.
Betts has averaged 6.4 points and 3.6 rebounds so far this season.
You must be registered for see images attach
Jul 6, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Mystics center Lauren Betts (51) attempts to drive past Golden State Valkyries center Kiah Stokes (41) during the second quarter at CareFirst Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images
Photo Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The post Lauren Betts’ Dominant UCLA Career Ends With Another Huge Honor appeared first on LA Sports Report.
Continue reading...
