For all the tectonic shifts in college sports, for the growing pains spurred by pay for play, there was no one more ready to meet this moment than UCLA coach Cori Close.
Columnist Mirjam Swanson argues that UCLA women's basketball head coach Cori Close provides an ideal blueprint for modern college athletics through her people-first leadership. Following UCLA's 79-51 national championship victory over Dawn Staley's South Carolina team in April, the Bruins are preparing to open their title defense against Lehigh.
Swanson highlights how Close balances high standards and competitive drive with genuine personal relationships during an era of significant turbulence in college sports. Players including Sienna Betts and Timea Gardner praised Close's authentic, person-centered communication style as crucial to the program's championship culture.
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