Key Takeaways
- Kiki Rice and Lauren Betts hosted a fan meetup at Raising Cane’s in Hollywood during UCLA’s post-title celebration.
- Both players discussed their preparation and mindset heading into the national championship game against South Carolina.
- Betts was selected No. 4 by the Washington Mystics and Rice went No. 6 to the Toronto Tempo in the 2026 WNBA Draft.
Kiki Rice and Lauren Betts kept UCLA’s celebration tour going with a fan meetup at Raising Cane’s in Hollywood, where the championship-winning teammates served supporters, spoke with media, and closed the appearance by stepping outside to thank the crowd directly.
The Thursday (April 9) stop landed in the middle of a whirlwind stretch for the Bruins after UCLA’s 79-51 win over South Carolina secured the program’s first NCAA women’s basketball national championship. Since then, the title run has turned into a full citywide victory lap, with appearances around Los Angeles that made it clear this team’s reach extends well beyond campus.
At Raising Cane’s, Rice and Betts reflected on both the title game and the road that got them there. Asked when they felt the national championship was theirs, both pointed to the same moment: Before the game even started. Betts said she felt it “when we walked in the gym,” while Rice said the team’s energy during warmups told the full story. Nobody looked ready to leave Phoenix without the trophy.
Betts also pointed to UCLA’s lone loss of the season, a setback against Texas, as the moment that pushed the team into another gear. She said it gave the Bruins a needed reset and sharpened their mindset from the opening tip in later games. Rice said the coaching staff advised them to trust the preparation, stay confident, and avoid changing what worked all season.
That appreciation for the journey carried into their final remarks to fans outside the restaurant. “Thank you for coming out to Raising Cane’s to celebrate our championship with us,” Rice said. “We appreciate the support throughout the entire season. The journey has been incredible. So excited for everyone on this team and for what we could accomplish this entire season.”
Lauren Betts echoed that feeling, adding, “Throughout the entire season, we felt your love and support, and we just really appreciate you guys, and we’re going to miss UCLA so much.”
How Kiki Rice and Lauren Betts fared in the 2026 WNBA Draft
A few days later, the two players and their peers descended upon New York City for the 2026 WNBA Draft. Betts came off the board at No. 4 to the Washington Mystics, while Rice was selected No. 6 by the expansion Toronto Tempo. Their selections were part of a historic draft night for UCLA, which became the first program to have six players drafted in a single WNBA Draft.