In the world of college basketball, few coaches command as much respect as UCLA’s Cori Close.
Close has transformed the Bruins into a powerhouse since taking charge in 2011, leading the team to consistent success on the court.
But while her coaching career is well-documented, fans have often wondered about her personal life and whether she is married.
The answer is no, Cori Close is not married. Despite her high-profile career, Close has managed to keep her private life incredibly discreet, rarely discussing her personal affairs in interviews or public appearances. However, in a “Meet Coach Cori Close” feature on the UCLA Women’s Basketball website, she jokingly listed “finding a husband” as one of the top things on her bucket list.
When asked about people she would like to meet, her answer included Mother Teresa, legendary football coach Tony Dungy, and, playfully, her future husband.
Born on July 29, 1971, in Milpitas, California, Close was a star point guard at UC Santa Barbara. Her coaching career took off with assistant roles at UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, and Florida State before she returned to lead the Bruins. Under her guidance, UCLA won the WNIT Championship in 2015 and the Big Ten Tournament in 2025.
Her leadership philosophy is heavily influenced by her faith. Close has spoken openly about how her relationship with Christ has been a guiding force in her life and career.
She also credited her development to the lessons instilled in her by her father Don.
“When I play up at Stanford every year, several people from my youth soccer team come,” Close told USA Today. “And they don’t come because we won a lot of soccer games. They come because my dad had a program and not a team. My dad taught lessons and made them feel loved unconditionally. And, they, to this day, still come back. In fact, two of them spoke at my dad’s memorial service.”
As of now, Close remains one of the most respected figures in college basketball, with her UCLA team consistently ranked among the best in the country.
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