UCLA, the top-ranked women’s basketball team, is heading to Indiana this weekend for a two-game series where they will be reminded of the legendary coach John Wooden, who hails from the state. Wooden, renowned for leading the Bruin men’s teams to a record 10 NCAA championships, including seven consecutive wins, was a familiar face at both the men’s and women’s games at Pauley Pavilion until his passing at age 99 in 2010.
Cori Close, the head coach of the UCLA women’s team since 2011, first crossed paths with Wooden during her time as an assistant coach. Their bond grew stronger when Wooden noticed that her first name matched that of one of his granddaughters. Close remarked, “My legacy is impacting people’s hearts the way that Coach Wooden impacted mine.”
Wooden’s granddaughter, Cathleen Trapani, recently attended a game at Pauley Pavilion, where a gold seat symbolizes Wooden’s enduring presence behind the UCLA bench. Now, Close is leading the undefeated Bruins (14-0, 3-0 Big Ten) on their first significant Big Ten road trip of the season. Their upcoming opponents, Indiana (10-3, 2-0), will host the Bruins in a nationally televised game at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, known for its boisterous atmosphere.
Located 28 miles south of Martinsville, where Wooden achieved success as a high school player, Indiana holds a special place in basketball lore. Close aims to instill in her players the essence of what Wooden taught her, particularly as they face Indiana and Purdue, where Wooden excelled as a player.
The Bruins will then clash with Purdue (7-3, 0-3) at the iconic Mackey Arena on John R. Wooden Drive in West Lafayette. The highly spirited venue, with its domed aluminum roof, promises a challenging environment for the visiting team. Despite these challenges, the UCLA players are eager for the opportunity to compete in historic basketball arenas and are determined to make Wooden proud.
“That energy,” Close said. “How great for our game and what a compliment to the state of Indiana that they not only love their basketball but they love their women’s basketball. Look at how they supported the Fever this last year. It’s one of the coolest states in the country to compete in women’s basketball.”
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