Betts Leads UCLA Back to Final Four, Shares Mental Health Journey

Betts Dominates as UCLA Reaches Final Four Again

Lauren Betts is an unstoppable force. The UCLA Bruins have won 28 straight games, and Betts, their star center, is a huge reason why. She scores easily, often off the glass. When she gets the ball deep in the paint with her defender buried, there’s not much anyone can do. UCLA’s defense is also strong, with Betts acting as a shot blocker. She’s a dominant player on both offense and defense.

Not many teams have an All-American center like Betts on the court. Now, UCLA is heading back to the Final Four. Betts shared her excitement after the win, saying, “I’m so excited for our team. This is such a cool opportunity and to be back.” She added that the team knows what to expect this time but getting there is a big accomplishment after working so hard all season. Betts is proud of her teammates.

Chasing a Championship and Revenge

The main goal for UCLA was always to win a national championship. This year, they have a chance to get revenge for their only loss of the season against Texas. To make that happen, they need another win. Betts believes both teams have grown a lot since their last game. “I’m really excited for another chance to compete and go one and oh,” she said.

Last year, UCLA also made it to the Final Four but lost badly to UConn. Betts reflected on those tough losses, saying the biggest lesson was bringing a sense of urgency. “Understanding the moment and like whatever everyone needs to do individually to get their minds right to just go out and compete from the very beginning,” she explained. Playing at this level requires 40 minutes of intense effort with no room for mistakes. “You have to be really mentally locked in,” Betts stated, highlighting how much the team has improved.

Family Ties and Competitive Fire

Fans have enjoyed watching Betts’ family support her journey. Her father, who played professionally, is often seen on the sidelines. While many assume her basketball skills come from him, her mother actually won a national championship. “She’s got the banner, right?” Betts joked about her mom’s achievement. “She’s really got me beat.”

Betts mentioned her mom is very humble but also the source of their competitive spirit. “We get a lot of our competitive fire from my mom,” she said. Her mom might be quiet off the court, but her intensity shines through when she plays. Betts and her sister, Sienna, clearly get their drive from her. When asked who is more competitive between her parents, Betts found it tough. “They’re both bad. Like, really bad,” she admitted. She thinks her dad is competitive about everything in life, while her mom is the more intense competitor when it comes to sports.

Sharing Her Story: Battling Depression

Beyond the court, Betts has inspired many by sharing her personal struggles. She wrote an article for The Players’ Tribune about her battle with depression. “I just want to make sure that everyone feels like, you know, they’re seen and they’re heard and they have someone to look up to,” she said about her decision to share. She felt it was important to show her growth since her sophomore year and that athletes are real people dealing with real issues.

The response to her article has been overwhelming. “To see and hear from like other athletes who I may not have like spoken to, but they, you know, they reach out to me and they’re like, ‘Hey, like I read your article and it meant a lot to me,'” she shared. This showed her that even athletes who seem to have it all together face challenges. Betts hopes her openness will encourage others to feel more comfortable discussing their own mental health.

Basketball’s Role in Her Life

Basketball has played a huge role in Betts’ life, both as a challenge and a source of strength. “Basketball gave me a sense of confidence, especially growing up the way I did, being tall and having to deal with all of that growing up,” she explained. The sport helped her embrace her height and has opened doors for her. “Basketball has changed my life for the better,” Betts stated, feeling that all the hard work has been worth it.

She feels her junior year was a breakout moment. “I was just like, you know, I am who I am and I played with a different sense of like confidence,” she recalled. Playing freely without letting outside pressures affect her changed her life. Betts believes her mental health and how she carries herself have been improving significantly since last year.

Team Chemistry and Road Trip Fun

The interview also touched on the fun side of the team, including a chaotic but memorable post-game celebration. Betts joked about her teammates not helping her during the confetti shower. However, this moment highlighted the team’s strong bond. As they head into the Final Four, the team’s chemistry is evident, like a traveling party on road trips.

When it comes to music on the road, Betts is in charge. “I’m on aux for everything,” she said, playing a variety of music to get everyone dancing. Freshman Izzy is known for the best snacks, while Betts’ teammate Sienna often brings green grapes. Freshman Lenn usually brings chips and cookies. For board games, Angela is the most competitive, bringing intense energy to every game. Charlie Ledger Walker is guaranteed to be late because she needs to get her outfit just right. Betts revealed her current nail color is for the championship run, calling them “Championship nails.”

Source: Lauren Betts on UCLA's growth & spreading mental health awareness ❤️ | SportsCenter (YouTube)