Lauren Betts Wins ESPY for Best College Athlete, Advocates for Mental Health

Lauren Betts, a standout former player for the UCLA women’s basketball team, has been honored with the 2026 ESPY Award for Best College Athlete in Women’s Sports. The prestigious award ceremony, held in New York on July 15, saw Betts recognized for her exceptional performance and leadership during the past collegiate season.

Championship Triumph

Betts was instrumental in leading the UCLA Bruins to their first-ever NCAA Tournament championship. The Bruins secured the title on April 5, 2026, with a decisive 79-51 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks in Phoenix. In the championship game, Betts delivered a dominant performance, recording a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, in addition to two blocks.

A Message of Courage

Beyond her athletic achievements, Betts used her moment on the ESPY stage to address a critical issue: mental health. Having previously spoken about her own struggles with depression, she emphasized the integral connection between mental well-being and success. “Your mental health is not separate from your success,” Betts stated. “It is the foundation of everything that you do. The strongest people aren’t the ones who never struggle; they’re the ones who have the courage to let someone walk through the struggle with them.” The award was presented to her by Miami Heat player Bam Adebayo and rapper French Montana.

Transition to the WNBA

Following her remarkable college career and ESPY win, Betts has made the leap to the professional level. She was selected as the fourth overall pick in the WNBA draft by the Washington Mystics. The UCLA program showcased its depth and talent, with several of Betts’ teammates also finding success in the draft. Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice were chosen immediately after Betts at No. 5 by the Chicago Sky and No. 6 by the Toronto Tempo, respectively. Angela Dugalic was also drafted by the Mystics with the ninth overall pick, and Gianna Kneepkens was selected by the Connecticut Sun at the end of the first round, 15th overall. This remarkable showing set a new record for UCLA, with five players selected in the first round of the WNBA draft.

Key facts
| Category | Detail |
|—|—|
| Award | 2026 ESPY for Best College Athlete in Women’s Sports |
| University | UCLA |
| Championship Win | NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament 2026 |
| WNBA Draft Pick | 4th overall to Washington Mystics |
| Notable Teammates Drafted | Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Angela Dugalic, Gianna Kneepkens |

Betts’ recognition at the ESPYs highlights not only her individual excellence on the basketball court but also her willingness to use her platform for important social advocacy. Her message on mental health resonates deeply within the sports world, encouraging athletes to prioritize their well-being and seek support when needed. The success of her and her UCLA teammates in the WNBA draft further underscores the strength of the Bruins’ program and the bright future ahead for these young athletes.

Source: Yahoo Sports, https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/former-ucla-star-lauren-betts-043802517.html

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