UCLA's Cori Close says Bruins' success has taken a toll on her

March 28, 2026 - 05:40

The immense pressure and relentless schedule of modern college basketball are taking a significant physical toll on coaches, according to UCLA's Cori Close. The Bruins' head coach, while proud of her program's achievements, is now a vocal advocate for urgent reforms to a system she describes as unsustainable.

Close is calling for a fundamental shift in how the sport operates, centered on athlete compensation and freedom of movement. She argues that the current structure, which prohibits direct player payment while demanding year-round commitments, creates an unhealthy environment for everyone involved. Her proposed reforms include allowing athletes to be paid for their name, image, and likeness and permitting greater freedom to transfer without penalty.

Beyond athlete welfare, Close highlights the extreme burden placed on coaching staffs. The non-stop cycle of recruiting, player development, film study, and travel, especially for elite programs consistently playing deep into March, leads to exhaustion. She emphasizes that support systems and better work-life balance are critical for the health of the profession. Close's stance underscores a growing sentiment that the sport's success should not come at the cost of the well-being of the very people who drive it.