- Lauren Betts was named Most Outstanding Player after leading UCLA Bruins women’s basketball to its first national title with a 79-51 win over South Carolina. She averaged a double-double across the Final Four and finished the championship game with 14 points and 11 rebounds, despite battling illness. MOP energy from start to finish.
- Betts didn’t just show up in March, she’s been that player all year. She became the first player in conference history to win both Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season, anchoring UCLA on both ends of the floor.
- She was always destined for this. Born in Spain while her dad played pro ball overseas, raised in a D1 athlete household, and ranked the No. 1 recruit in the country. Oh! And she’s been 6’7 since high school. The blueprint was always there.
- Before UCLA, Lauren was battling intense self-doubt and mental health struggles after years of bullying for her height. Now she’s not just a champion, but someone who openly talks about growth, healing, and learning to see herself differently.
- Basketball is fully a family affair. Lauren’s sister Sienna is her teammate at UCLA (and her self-proclaimed “good luck charm” 🥹), and their chemistry helped power this championship run. She called it her “favorite season,” combining a national championship with the chance to share it with family.