Cori Close, who led UCLA to its first women's Final Four during one of the best seasons in school history, was named The Associated Press Coach of the Year on Thursday.

UCLA coach Cori Close first met Paige Bueckers and Azzi Fudd as teenagers playing for USA Basketball and remains a fan of the UConn stars.

UCLA women's basketball radio voice Dave Marcus has been through many challenging circumstances covering the team and now cherishes a Final Four trip.

The Women's Final Four tips off on Friday night at 7 p.m. ET, with South Carolina favored over Texas. UConn is laying 7.5 points vs. UCLA in the late game.

Whether you're pulling for South Carolina to win its fourth title in six years, Texas to seize the moment and prove it belongs among better-known heavyweights, UCLA to finish this dream season in the school's first Final Four appearance,

While many might overlook the Bruins, coach Cori Close and staff were able to land players like Lauren Betts and Timea Gardiner to challenge for an NCAA title.

Lauren Betts and UCLA continue their March Madness run today against Kim Mulkey and LSU. Follow live updates from their Elite Eight game.

Watkins was a near unanimous pick for national player of the year, while Close, who led the Bruins to their first-ever Final Four, is coach of the year.

The NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Committee has approved 11 game officials to work Friday's two national semifinal games and Sunday's national championship game.

UCLA women's basketball's Elite Eight win vs. LSU eliminated the final perfect bracket in the ESPN Tournament Challenge

UConn is in a familiar place, playing in the women's Final Four for the 16th time in the past 17 seasons while UCLA is making its first appearance in the NCAA national semifinals.