Lauren Betts leads UCLA to Sweet 16 while rediscovering joy, confidence and love for basketball

Lauren Betts has led UCLA Bruins women's basketball into the Sweet 16 while also finding happiness again off the court. During a preseason practice in Los Angeles, she and her sister Sienna Betts surprised everyone by performing a perfectly synced dance routine, something they learned as kids from the game Just Dance 2014.

Their coach Cori Close stopped practice just to watch them perform, and the moment later went viral online. “Without even rehearsing it, they just went into it,” Close said.

That moment reflected a bigger change in Betts’ life. After struggling earlier in her career, especially during her time at Stanford Cardinal women's basketball, she found herself dealing with pressure and mental health challenges. At one point, things got so difficult that she stepped away from the team to focus on getting help.

Her move to UCLA helped her slowly rebuild both her confidence and her love for the game. Over time, she became one of the top players in the country and a leader for her team. This season, she has averaged 17.1 points and 8.1 rebounds, helping UCLA dominate with a 33-1 record and another top seed in NCAA March Madness.

With her sister now on the team, Betts has found even more joy. The bond between them has brought back a sense of fun, whether it is dancing, making videos, or just enjoying daily practice. Her mother Michelle Betts said it feels special to see both daughters together again.

Betts recently delivered one of her best performances, scoring 35 points to push UCLA into the Sweet 16. After the game, she reflected on how far she has come. “I didn’t think any of this was possible,” she said.

Now, with a chance to win a national title and possibly become a top pick in the WNBA draft, Betts is not just playing her best basketball but also enjoying life in a way she hadn’t before.