Lauren Betts

Lauren Betts is a 6-foot-7 center recognized for her impact in women's college basketball. Ranked as the top recruit in her class by ESPN out of high school, Betts began her collegiate career with Stanford before transferring to UCLA. At UCLA, she was named a first-team All-American twice and became a prominent figure in NCAA women's basketball.

During her time with the Bruins, Betts led the team in scoring and rebounding, earned consecutive Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year honors, and joined an exclusive group of NCAA players to record a season with more than 600 points, 300 rebounds, 100 assists, and 75 blocks. She also became one of three players to achieve multiple 30-point, 10-rebound double-doubles in an NCAA Tournament while shooting 80 percent or better from the field. Betts played a key role in UCLA's first NCAA women's basketball championship and was named NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player. She set a tournament record with more than 125 points on 65 percent or better shooting, 50 rebounds, and 15 blocks.

Off the court, Betts has been an advocate for mental health awareness. She published the article "I Want To Be Here" in The Players' Tribune, sharing her experiences with anxiety and depression. Betts addressed mental health during her acceptance speech at the ESPYs, where she received the ESPY Award for Best College Athlete in Women's Sports.

Betts was selected by the Washington Mystics as the fourth overall pick in the first round of the WNBA Draft, joining a historic draft class from UCLA. She concluded her college career as UCLA's all-time leading shot blocker and one of three players in program history with more than 1,800 career points and 1,000 career rebounds. Betts also signed a shoe deal with Reebok, expanding her presence in women's sports. Her achievements in basketball and advocacy for mental health continue to influence the landscape of women's athletics.