Story perspectives

UCLA Women's Basketball Sets Record with Six WNBA Draft Picks

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team made history by having six players selected in the WNBA draft, a record for any school.
Lauren Betts was chosen fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, followed by Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, and Angela Dugalic.
Gianna Kneepkens was picked 15th by the Connecticut Sun, and Charlisse Leger-Walker was selected 18th, also by the Sun, reuniting with Kneepkens.
Coach Cori Close praised the team's selfless play and commitment to winning.
The 2026 WNBA season is set to begin in May.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA established its first women's basketball championship in 1982, following decades of growth in women's sports, particularly after Title IX was enacted in 1972 to combat gender discrimination in education and athletics. By 2020, over 1,000 schools participated in women's basketball, reflecting its rising prominence, while the WNBA's upcoming 2026 season continues to inspire future generations of female athletes.

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Story summary

The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team made history by having six players selected in the WNBA draft, a record for any school.
Lauren Betts was chosen fourth overall by the Washington Mystics, followed by Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, and Angela Dugalic.
Gianna Kneepkens was picked 15th by the Connecticut Sun, and Charlisse Leger-Walker was selected 18th, also by the Sun, reuniting with Kneepkens.
Coach Cori Close praised the team's selfless play and commitment to winning.
The 2026 WNBA season is set to begin in May.

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