Early Mentorship:: Following a challenging first season (2011-12) where UCLA missed the NCAA Tournament, Cori Close reached out to Geno Auriemma and then-Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw, observing their practices to learn from the best.
Auriemma's Openness:: Auriemma, believing in sharing knowledge, welcomed Close and her staff, stating basketball ideas are meant to be shared, even with rivals. He values fostering success among fellow coaches.
UCLA's Historic Rise:: Under Close's leadership, fueled partly by early lessons learned, UCLA (34-2) has reached its first-ever Women's Final Four.
UConn's Legacy:: The Huskies (35-3) are making their record 24th Final Four appearance, seeking their first national title since 2016.
USA Basketball Bonds:: Close also coached UConn stars Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd on USA Basketball U19 teams, building personal connections and respect that transcend the current rivalry. Close leaned on Fudd and UCLA's Lauren Betts for support during the 2021 U19 World Cup after her father passed away.
Why this matters:: This backstory adds a rich human element to the competition, showcasing mentorship, respect, and shared history amidst the intensity of the Final Four. It highlights the journey of building a program and the interconnectedness within the coaching community.
Fourteen years ago, after UCLA finished with a losing record and missed March Madness, a young head coach Cori Close made a proactive move. She called Geno Auriemma, whose UConn program was already a dynasty, and asked to observe his team's practices during the NCAA Tournament. Auriemma obliged, embodying his philosophy that sharing knowledge benefits the sport. "He's a master teacher," Close remarked, noting she brought her entire staff back the following October.
This mentorship wasn't just a one-off visit; it was a formative experience. The next season, UCLA improved significantly, making the tournament's second round. Now, after six Sweet 16 appearances and an Elite Eight, Close has guided the Bruins to their inaugural Final Four, facing the very coach who offered guidance years ago. "If I had known, I wouldn't have let her in," Auriemma joked, before seriously reflecting on the importance of sharing within the coaching community.
Despite UCLA holding a No. 1 seed and being ranked No. 1 longer than any other team this season, Close feels her team has been somewhat overlooked, playing with an "underdog" mentality. This contrasts sharply with UConn's pedigree – 11 national titles and 24 Final Four trips.
Adding another layer are Close's connections with current UConn players through USA Basketball. She coached Paige Bueckers on the 2019 U19 World Cup team and Azzi Fudd (alongside UCLA's Lauren Betts) on the 2021 U19 team, navigating personal hardship during the latter tournament with their support. These shared experiences build mutual respect that extends beyond the court lines as they prepare for Friday's semifinal.
How did Cori Close learn from Geno Auriemma?
Early in her UCLA tenure, Close observed Auriemma's UConn practices during the NCAA tournament and again the following fall with her staff, learning directly from his coaching methods and program standards.
Is this UCLA's first Final Four appearance?
Yes, under Coach Cori Close, the 2025 appearance marks the first time the UCLA women's basketball program has reached the NCAA Final Four.
What is the history between UConn and UCLA in the NCAA Tournament?
UConn defeated UCLA in the Sweet 16 in both 2017 and 2019. This Final Four matchup represents their highest-stakes meeting yet.
This Final Four game is enriched by the mentor-mentee history between the coaches.
Success in coaching often involves learning from established figures, as demonstrated by Close seeking Auriemma's insights.
UCLA's journey to the Final Four is a testament to program building and perseverance over more than a decade.
Personal connections, like those forged through USA Basketball, add depth to on-court rivalries.
This matchup showcases incredible talent and a fascinating coaching backstory.
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Source 1: How Geno Auriemma played a part in Cori Close leading UCLA women to first NCAA Final Four{:target="_blank"}
*Additional context compiled by Yanuki from The Boston Globe and Hartford Courant reports.*
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