UCLA women's basketball just locked in their championship-winning leader for the long haul. The university announced Tuesday that head coach Cori Close has signed a contract extension through the 2029-30 season, coming off the program's first-ever NCAA national title.

Close, who took over the Bruins' helm in 2011, has transformed UCLA into a powerhouse. With a 35-8 record last season and a 144-win career tally, she's led the team to 10 NCAA tournament appearances, including back-to-back Final Four runs. The crowning moment came when the Bruins defeated South Carolina to capture the national championship.

"I am so grateful for the opportunity to continue teaching and mentoring the young women who choose UCLA," Close said in a statement. "I love being here in Westwood, and I am so excited for what the future holds. I hope we can continue to make our Bruin faithful proud."

Her impact extends well beyond the win column. This past season, Close was named Big Ten Coach of the Year, and a record six players from the championship squad—Lauren Betts, Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Gianna Kneepkens, Angela Dugalic, and Charlisse Leger-Walker—were drafted into the WNBA, all making opening-day rosters.

UCLA athletic director Martin Jarmond praised Close's holistic approach: "Winning a national championship is a tremendous achievement, but what truly stands out is the character, leadership, and daily commitment Cori and her staff bring to develop players into the best versions of themselves."

According to the California Post, Close's new deal will earn her approximately $2 million per season, placing her among the top 10 highest-paid coaches in women's basketball. That's a significant raise from the $1.2 million base salary she earned last season, plus the $180,000 in performance bonuses she unlocked by hitting all 11 incentive targets. For a coach who has built a dynasty from the ground up, it's a well-earned reward that signals UCLA's commitment to staying on top.