The UCLA women’s basketball program is led by a dynamic and experienced coaching staff dedicated to greatness both on and off the court. The Bruins’ staff, led by head coach Cori Close, combines leadership, player development, and championship-level expertise.
2025 UCLA Women’s Basketball Coaching Staff
Cori Close, Head Coach
Close has led UCLA women’s basketball since 2011, bringing extensive expertise and leadership to the team. Before joining UCLA, Close was an associate head coach at Florida State University from 2004 to 2011, where she developed the team’s offensive strategies and players.
Her coaching career began at her alma mater, UC Santa Barbara, where she served as an assistant and then associate head coach from 1995 until 2004. Close was a standout guard at UC Santa Barbara, helping the team to continuous NCAA tournament berths and receiving All-Big West honors.
Shannon LeBeauf, Associate Head Coach
Shannon LeBeauf joined the UCLA women’s basketball coaching staff in 2014 and was elevated to associate head coach in 2018. Before joining UCLA, LeBeauf worked as an assistant coach at Duke University and her school, the University of Iowa.
She was a four-year letterwinner at Iowa and contributed significantly to the team’s success during her collegiate career.
Tasha Brown, Assistant Coach
Tasha Brown has been an assistant coach for the Bruins since 2018. She formerly worked as an assistant coach at the University of Kansas and Purdue University, emphasizing recruitment and player development. Brown attended St. Ambrose University and was named an All-American basketball player.
Tony Newnan, Assistant Coach
Tony Newnan returned to UCLA as an assistant coach in 2011, offering an array of coaching experience from his prior positions at UC Santa Barbara and the University of Georgia. Newnan played and coached for his alma mater, UCSB, and helped the team win numerous conference championships.
Soh Matsuura, Assistant Coach
Soh Matsuura, a UCLA alumnus, joined the Bruins’ coaching staff in 2023. Matsuura formerly worked as a graduate assistant at UCLA, where he helped with team scouting and player development.
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James Clark, Assistant Coach
James Clark joined the UCLA coaching staff in 2023. He formerly coached at LaSalle University, his alma mater, and other universities, concentrating on defensive techniques and guard development.
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