UCLA Women's Basketball: Cori Close Earns Major HC Honor
The UCLA women's basketball team is currently in the midst of an extremely successful season, with the look of a true title contender. The Bruins finished out their regular season schedule with a win over Arizona on Saturday, bringing their record on the year to 24-5.
The team went 13-5 in the Pac-12 this season, and they will be a force to be dealt with in the upcoming Pac-12 Tournament. If they can have a solid showing there, UCLA will likely assume their spot as a number one seed in the NCAA Tournament.
Within this successful season, head coach Cori Close has started to gain more respect as a coach. She has earned a major heading coaching honor, being named the recipient of the 2024 WBCA Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award.
"The Carol Eckman Integrity in Coaching Award is named in honor of the late Carol Eckman, the former West Chester State College coach, who is considered the "Mother of the Women's Collegiate Basketball Championship." Eckman organized and conducted the first women's basketball championship in 1969 at West Chester State (now known as West Chester University)."
Close has led the Bruins through different adversity all season long, with the team responding at almost every turn. She is the definition of this honor and deserves to be named it.
"Cori Close is deeply respected by her peers for her integrity and the way she leads. She has a heart for service to the game, her peers, and all student-athletes. Her love for others has been evident throughout her playing and coaching career," said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew.
The Bruins have a rare opportunity in front of them, and Close will make sure they understand it all. They have the look of a powerful team right now, and they pose some real challenges to whoever matches up with them in the upcoming tournament.