At the start of the 2025-26 season, Lauren Betts mentioned that transferring from Stanford to UCLA was one of the best decisions she had ever made. She helped her sister, Sienna, join the program, too, and during her final year, they won a national championship together.
Making a grand entry to the WNBA draft as NCAA Champions, the player was the fourth overall pick in the draft by the Mystics. Sienna saw her journey from a young age and sent a special message to her following her selection in the WNBA.
Sienna Praised Lauren Betts For Her Efforts
The 22-year-old star was first pick on many mock drafts for her performances in the 2025 and 2026 seasons, until the Wings decided to pair the UConn duo. While the fourth pick in the deepest draft class is still a high pick, her younger sister, Sienna Betts, showed a heartfelt message for her.
In the video, Sienna said, “Dear Lauren, I just wanted to tell you how proud I am of you. Not everyone gets to see it, but growing up with you every single day, and just seeing your progression in last four years, its really beautiful just to see you blossom.”
Sister, Sister 🥹🤍 Sienna Betts showed love to Lauren Betts with a heartfelt reminder of what this journey means and just how proud she is of her big sister. 🫶🏽 pic.twitter.com/dQoOBFwxES
— WSLAM (@wslam) April 13, 2026
The younger Betts also praised Lauren for her hard work and showed love in the video.
2025 was her career year, leading the team in both defensive and offensive stats. Although her numbers dropped a bit in her senior year, her impact was similar, and she improved her efficiency from the floor.
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Improving her performance each season, the player led the UCLA program to the Final Four for the first time in 2025 and finished her career as a champion. She will look to make a similar impact with the Mystics side, too.
Lauren Betts To Elevate Washington Mystics’ Gameplay
The 6-foot-center is one of the top defensive stars from the class, winning MOP in the Final Four and also the Defensive Player of the Year accolade in her college career. While the Mystics lacked size in the 2025 season, her addition will certainly change the dynamics of the gameplay.
She offers a rare combination of rim protection and high-efficiency scoring, having shot over 60% during her dominant championship run. Beyond her physical tools, her passing ability and high basketball IQ allow her to facilitate the offense from the post, drawing double teams and creating open looks for shooters.
Mystics select UCLA center Lauren Betts with the 4th overall pick!
— Mason Kinnahan (@Mason_Kinnahan) April 13, 2026
Betts per game averages at UCLA this season:
22.4 pts
11.4 reb
4.1 ast
2.7 blk
1.3 stl
Mystics frontcourt now includes Shakira Austin, Kiki Iriafen, and Betts pic.twitter.com/c9CqexhVyE
As she integrates into a roster featuring familiar collegiate teammates, her ability to anchor the defense and provide a reliable low-post scoring option will be foundational to the team’s rebuilding efforts and long-term competitiveness. Interestingly, she will be playing alongside her assistant coach, Michaela Onyenwere, at the championship, who signed with the Mystics a few days before the draft.