UCLA Women’s Basketball Shared a Laugh About a Potential Call from Trump
The national champion UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team has yet to hear from President Donald Trump, and it seems they aren’t anticipating any communication.
The team is currently on a media tour following their title win and made an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday, April 7. During the show, host Jimmy Kimmel inquired whether they had received a call from the President.
After a brief pause filled with smirks, the four players in attendance and head coach Cori Close shared a knowing look before Kiki Rice responded, “We have not.” The group then laughed lightly at the notion.
Kimmel, 58, playfully suggested that they might hear from him “in two weeks” and joked about bringing a replica championship trophy in case they receive a White House invitation. (Tradition dictates that champions in both college and professional sports receive a congratulatory call from the President as well as an invite to the White House.)
UCLA emerged victorious against South Carolina, 79-51, on Sunday, April 5, claiming their first championship in the NCAA Tournament era. Center Lauren Betts earned the title of Most Outstanding Player during the Final Four, scoring 14 points and securing 11 rebounds in the championship match against the Gamecocks.
Although the Bruins have not yet been in touch with Trump, 79, former President Barack Obama congratulated them following their win.
“Congratulations to Lauren Betts and the fantastic seniors at @UCLAWBB for winning their first NCAA Championship!” Obama, 64, posted on X.
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During UCLA’s segment, Kimmel noted that Obama had predicted UConn would win the women’s title in his pre-tournament picks, but the players did not seem to hold any grudges against him.
“Everyone makes mistakes, it’s all good,” Close, 54, quipped.
In another context, Trump faced backlash during the 2026 Winter Olympics for seemingly dismissive remarks regarding the gold medal-winning Team USA women’s hockey team while inviting the men’s team to the White House after their victory in Italy.
Jack Hughes, who scored the decisive goal for the men’s team, downplayed the ensuing controversy after the team faced criticism for their laughter in response to Trump’s remarks.
“You’re in the moment; the president calls,” Hughes, 24, explained to reporters. “We’ve got music blaring, and then they pause the music for the president’s call. It is what it is now.”
Hughes continued, “We have immense respect for the women’s team. They respect us too. We’re all just proud Americans, thrilled that both teams excelled in the Olympics.”
