Celebrating Excellence: A Champion's Journey and a Team's Legacy
Lauren Betts: Acknowledged as the Premier College Female Athlete of 2026
On Wednesday, July 15, in New York, Lauren Betts was honored with the 2026 ESPY Award for Best College Athlete in Women's Sports. This recognition celebrates her exceptional talent and leadership that propelled the UCLA women's basketball team to its inaugural NCAA Tournament championship.
Triumph on the Court: UCLA's Historic National Championship Victory
The UCLA Bruins secured their first national title on April 5, 2026, by defeating Dawn Staley's South Carolina Gamecocks with a decisive score of 79-51 in Phoenix. In this championship game, Betts delivered a stellar performance, achieving a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, alongside two crucial blocks.
Beyond the Game: Betts's Powerful Message on Mental Well-being
Following her acceptance of the award from NBA player Bam Adebayo and recording artist French Montana, Betts courageously addressed her personal struggles with depression. She emphasized the inseparable connection between mental health and success, stating, "Your mental health is not separate from your success. It is the foundation of everything that you do. The strongest people aren't the ones who never struggle; they're the ones who have the courage to let someone walk through the struggle with them."
A Record-Setting Draft: UCLA's Dominance in the WNBA
Just days after leading UCLA to a national championship, Betts was selected as the 4th overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Washington Mystics. Her teammates, Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice, followed closely, drafted 5th by the Chicago Sky and 6th by the Toronto Tempo, respectively. Furthermore, Angela Dugalic was also picked by the Mystics as the 9th overall selection, and Gianna Kneepkens joined the Connecticut Sun as the 15th overall pick at the close of the first round. This remarkable draft class set a new benchmark for UCLA, with an unprecedented five first-round selections in the WNBA draft.
