News Summary
Sienna Betts has officially joined the UCLA women’s basketball team, motivated by her sister Lauren’s desire to have her play alongside. Initially hesitant, Sienna was swayed by Lauren’s heartfelt PowerPoint presentation showcasing the benefits of joining the Bruins. With her arrival, expectations for the team have soared, as Sienna is a strong contender for Big Ten freshman of the year. Meanwhile, UCLA and USC both face challenges this season, but with exciting player dynamics, fans are looking forward to their performance on the court.
Los Angeles – Sienna Betts has officially joined the UCLA women’s basketball team after initially resisting following her sister, Lauren Betts, who is transferring from Stanford. UCLA women’s basketball coach Cori Close reached out to Sienna at the request of her parents to discuss Lauren’s relocation, but Sienna expressed reluctance about playing at UCLA, stating she wanted to carve her own path.
In an effort to convince her sister, Lauren created a PowerPoint presentation highlighting the benefits of Sienna joining the Bruins. Coach Close described this heartfelt presentation as emotional, resulting in tears from those involved. Ultimately, Sienna agreed to play, excited to contribute to a team that is predicted to dominate the Big Ten and contend for a national championship.
With the addition of Sienna, who stands at 6-feet-4 and possesses a dynamic skill set, the expectations for the Bruins have heightened. Sienna has been marked as a strong candidate for the Big Ten freshman of the year. Meanwhile, Lauren Betts and point guard Kiki Rice were named to the preseason all-conference team, with other teammates like Gianna Kneepkens and Charlisse Leger-Walker likely to earn postseason recognition.
In practice, the Betts sisters have been experiencing standard sibling interactions, including some playful bickering on the court. Lauren believes having Sienna by her side may allow her to play more on the perimeter, thus reducing the physical demands of the game. Furthermore, Lauren has taken on a mentorship role, guiding Sienna through the complexities of plays and rigorous practices while encouraging her to develop friendships with other freshmen.
Lauren’s motivation for inviting Sienna to join her at UCLA transcended family ties; it was about enhancing the team’s potential for success on a national level. Coach Close emphasized how Lauren’s PowerPoint demonstrated her genuine desire to have Sienna as part of the team in their pursuit of a championship.
Looking ahead, Lauren playfully suggested that she might create a similar presentation for their brother Dylan, who is a towering 7-foot-2 center and a top high school prospect. This could provide an entertaining twist to the family’s collaborative efforts in basketball.
While UCLA welcomes the enhancement to its roster, the USC women’s basketball team faces challenges following the injury of star player JuJu Watkins. USC head coach Lindsay Gottlieb acknowledged the setbacks due to Watkins’ absence but reassured that the team’s objectives remain unchanged. The Trojans will rely on collective efforts from returning guard Kennedy Smith, freshman Jazzy Davidson, and five transfers to fill the gap left by Watkins.
UCLA is also experiencing numerous transitions within its program. Londynn Jones has transferred back to the Bruins after leaving a heartfelt voicemail for Coach Gottlieb six years ago. Jones is anticipated to make a significant impact as a ball handler and shooter for the team. Additionally, UCLA softball player Megan Grant is nearing her basketball debut, fulfilling a long-standing dream to play collegiate basketball. Coach Close has praised her potential, describing her playing style as a “bully ball kind of player.”
As both UCLA and USC navigate their respective seasons, the dynamics of the teams will be closely watched, especially with high hopes for success on the court.
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The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
