Lauren Betts leads UCLA to Sweet 16 while rediscovering joy, confidence and love for basketball
TOI GLOBAL DESK | TOI GLOBAL | Mar 26, 2026, 04:10 IST
Lauren Betts leads UCLA to Sweet 16 while rediscovering joy, confidence and love for basketball
Lauren Betts has guided the UCLA Bruins women's basketball into the Sweet 16 while rediscovering happiness both on and off the court. A viral preseason moment featuring Betts and her sister Sienna Betts performing a synchronized dance highlighted her renewed joy, impressing coach Cori Close. Earlier in her career with the Stanford Cardinal women's basketball, Betts faced pressure and mental health challenges that led her to step away from the game temporarily. Her transfer to UCLA marked a turning point, helping her rebuild confidence and passion for basketball. This season, she has averaged 17.1 points and 8.1 rebounds, leading UCLA to a 33-1 record and a top seed in the NCAA March Madness. With her sister now on the roster, Betts has embraced a lighter, more joyful approach, combining elite performance with personal growth as she eyes a national title and future WNBA success.
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.
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.