Lauren Betts has been a huge asset to the 25-26 season for the UCLA Bruins Women’s Basketball Program. Recently, she has dominated in the paint helping lead her team to an undefeated season. With only one lose to Texas back in the Players Era Women’s Championship on Nov. 26th. 

Betts was a unanimous selection for Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year by coaches in the conference. This was a first for Bruins history. Betts is ranked #1 in blocks ppg in the Big Ten. As she continues to dominate we will only see more of her as we approach the end of the season and I am sure she will continue to be the talk of the Bruins as we expect to see them in the Conference Championship and dominate in the NCAA Women’s Bracket. 

Coach Close describes her as a huge asset to the program, and Close applauded Betts for her bravery in openly discussing her journey with depression, noting her “miraculous” growth and healing. Mental health is often a subject not widely spoken about, but it is an area that should be discusses more often and be recognized not as a weakness, but power in self-awareness and strength. 

Betts shows great leadership skills and Close highlighted that Betts and her teammates have learned to “call each other up and out” to foster a culture of accountability. 

It is also a family affair as Lauren has the privilege to have a season with her younger sister Sienna Betts a 6’4 Forward Freshman at UCLA and take the next stage of Bruins-Betts family legacy to the next level. 

Lauren Betts is our Next Bench Player of the Month for being a dominate force in the paint and overcome obstacles off the court.