Cori Close: Leading the UCLA Bruins to Basketball Glory
Cori Close has established herself as a powerhouse in women's college basketball, blending tactical expertise with a unique approach to mental fortitude. From her early days as an assistant to leading a program to its first national title, Close's journey is a testament to persistence and the power of mentorship.
Key Facts
- First NCAA Title: Won in 2026 by defeating South Carolina 79–51.
- Historic Milestone: Led UCLA to their first Final Four in 2025.
- Mental Training: Implemented the "Mind Gym" to build player confidence.
- Mentorship: Developed a significant bond with legendary coach John Wooden.
- Consistency: Achieved seven consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances during her tenure at Florida State.
Early Career and Mentorship
Cori Close began her coaching journey at UCLA from 1993 to 1995. During this period, she formed a pivotal mentorship with coach emeritus John Wooden. Interestingly, Close noted that their bond began due to a shared first-name spelling with Wooden's great-granddaughter.
Following her initial stint at UCLA, Close returned to her alma mater, UC Santa Barbara, where she served as an assistant coach starting in 1995.
Rise Through the Ranks at Florida State
In May 2004, Close joined Florida State as the associate head coach under Sue Semrau. Her seven seasons in Tallahassee were marked by consistent success, as the Seminoles reached the NCAA Tournament every year of her tenure.
Under her guidance, Florida State achieved several program milestones, including their first-ever appearance in the Sweet Sixteen in 2007 and a trip to the Elite Eight in 2010.
The UCLA Era: A Legacy of Success
On April 21, 2011, Cori Close returned to UCLA as the head coach of the women's basketball program. Her leadership transformed the Bruins into a perennial contender. She guided the team to the Sweet Sixteen six times and reached the regional final in 2018.
The program reached new heights in 2025 when Close led the Bruins to their first-ever NCAA Final Four. This momentum culminated in the 2026 NCAA national championship game, where UCLA secured its first national title with a dominant 79–51 victory over South Carolina.
The "Mind Gym" and Mental Performance
Beyond physical drills, Close introduced a specialized mental training program known as the "Mind Gym." This initiative focuses on psychological development, helping players build a positive self-image, increase confidence, and recover mentally from poor performances. This holistic approach to athlete development has been a cornerstone of the program's success.
The Leather Pants Superstition
In a lighter turn of events, Close became known for wearing leather pants on game days. This tradition was started by strength coach Ash Samaniego in Paris, France, prior to the 2024-25 season opener. Close remained undefeated while wearing the pants starting from a victory over Louisville in 2024.
While Close does not consider herself superstitious, she admitted that public commentary influenced her decision to wear them for the 2026 National Championship game, despite having opted out of wearing them during the 2026 semifinal against Texas.
| Period/Year | Institution | Role | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1993-1995 | UCLA | Assistant Coach | Mentorship with John Wooden |
| 1995+ | UC Santa Barbara | Assistant Coach | Return to alma mater |
| 2004-2011 | Florida State | Associate Head Coach | First Sweet Sixteen (2007) & Elite Eight (2010) |
| 2011-Present | UCLA | Head Coach | 2026 NCAA National Championship |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did UCLA win its first NCAA women's basketball title under Cori Close?
UCLA won its first NCAA title in 2026, defeating South Carolina with a score of 79–51.
What is the "Mind Gym"?
The "Mind Gym" is a mental training program implemented by Cori Close to help players improve their confidence, self-image, and ability to bounce back from poor performances.
Who was Cori Close's mentor at UCLA?
Cori Close was mentored by the legendary coach emeritus John Wooden during her time as an assistant coach from 1993 to 1995.
What is the story behind the leather pants?
The tradition was started by strength coach Ash Samaniego in Paris before the 2024-25 season. Close has been undefeated while wearing them since the Bruins beat Louisville in 2024.
How did Cori Close perform at Florida State?
During her seven seasons as associate head coach, Florida State made the NCAA Tournament every year, reaching the Sweet Sixteen in 2007 and the Elite Eight in 2010.