Caitlin Clark Shares Heartfelt Praise For UCLA Coach Cori Close After National Title Win

The Gamecocks were in the championship game for the third time in the last five years and looked like the favorites after defeating the strong contender, the UConn Huskies. But Cori Close’s team held its line and handed a 28-point loss to the Gamecocks. Though it was the first championship in the program’s history, Caitlin Clark had nothing but high praise for the coach.

With high school recruits and the transfer portal, the UCLA team had a record seven draft prospects on the roster. And the difference was evident on the floor as the side cruised to the championship without any hiccups.

Though it looked like a ‘walk in the garden’ on the side, Close worked on it for 15 years, and CC applauded her relentless work.

Caitlin Clark With High Praise For Cori Close

Building a championship team might take time, and no one knows it better than the UCLA coach who joined the program in 2011. While the men’s team found success, it was the women’s time to shine in 2026, following a regular season dominance.

Results in every season showed their gradual improvement, but the championship dream still remained unfinished business for the UCLA team, and after the 2026 title, Clark shared a post praising the coach’s effort. She wrote, “Not many care about the game as much as Coach Close … couldn’t be happier for her!! Congrats @UCLAWBB”

Not many care about the game as much as Coach Close … couldn’t be happier for her!!
Congrats @UCLAWBB

— Caitlin Clark (@CaitlinClark22) April 5, 2026

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The Close also recently acknowledged the best team she has ever had and is aiming for the championship.

As for Clark, during her college career, she played in two championship games but fell short on both occasions. Despite that, the player earned a place in the All-Time First Team by AP. While CC had words of encouragement for Close’s efforts, the UCLA coach also showed love for the former Iowa star.

Cori Close Acknowledges Caitlin Clark’s Impact

The impact of Caitlin Clark is still a debate for some analysts and a topic on most podcasts. Stephen A Smith called Clark an ultimate superstar on his podcast, and when the 52-year-old coach appeared on his show, she gave her views on the same.

The coach said, “I actually had the opportunity to coach Caitlin Clark in USA basketball. Even back then, she had a charisma about her that’s infectious around everyone she comes in contact with.”

Cori Close on Caitlin’s impact

“I actually had the opportunity to coach Caitlin Clark in USA basketball. Even back then she has a charisma about her that’s infectious…The reality is Caitlin has risen a level of fanbase that has broadened it that we are all benefitting from.” pic.twitter.com/aIwFAZ1EKe

— correlation (@nosyone4) December 9, 2025

“The reality is Caitlin has risen a level of fanbase that has broadened it that we are all benefitting from,” Close concluded. Now, nearly seven of her players will be in the WNBA, and one of them will likely play alongside Clark in the Fever team.