UCLA's Lauren Betts Named Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year

UCLA senior center Lauren Betts was named the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year and received the prestigious Honda Cup during the 50th anniversary broadcast of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards (CWSA) presented by Honda. The ceremony, held in New York City and aired on CBS Sports Network, celebrated five decades of recognizing top female collegiate athletes. Betts was selected from a group of three finalists for the 2026 award.

Collegiate Career Highlights

Lauren Betts concluded her collegiate career with a dominant season, leading the UCLA Bruins to their first NCAA Championship. In the national championship game, she recorded 14 points and 11 rebounds, earning the title of 2026 NCAA Women's Final Four Most Outstanding Player. Her performance throughout the season also saw her named a finalist for the Wade Trophy, Naismith Trophy, and Wooden Award.

Betts received WBCA First Team All-America honors for the second time. She was also recognized as the 2026 Big Ten Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, becoming the first player in conference history to achieve both distinctions in a single season. During the NCAA Regionals, Betts became UCLA's all-time leader in blocked shots and was named Regional Most Outstanding Player.

She finished the season averaging 17.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game. These statistics underscore her impact on both ends of the court for the Bruins.

The Honda Cup and CWSA Legacy

The Honda Cup, presented by Honda, is awarded annually to the Collegiate Woman Athlete of the Year, recognizing excellence in athletics, leadership, academics, and community service. This year's ceremony marked the 50th anniversary of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards and Honda's 40th year as the program's presenting sponsor. The event brought together many past Honda Cup winners, highlighting the award's enduring legacy.

Betts was chosen from the CWSA Class of 2026 Top Three, which also included Pittsburgh volleyball player Olivia Babcock and Nebraska softball standout Jordyn Frahm. The initial selection involved votes from nearly 1,000 NCAA member schools, with the final Honda Cup recipient determined by the CWSA Board of Directors.

With this honor, Betts becomes the 17th basketball player to receive the Lauren Betts Honda Cup, making basketball the most recognized sport in the award's history. She joins a distinguished list of basketball recipients including Ann Meyers, Nancy Lieberman, Cheryl Miller, Dawn Staley, Rebecca Lobo, Candace Parker, Maya Moore, Brittney Griner, Breanna Stewart, Aliyah Boston, and Caitlin Clark.

Professional Transition and Continued Recognition

Following her collegiate success, Betts was selected fourth overall by the Washington Mystics in the 2026 WNBA Draft. This draft was notable for UCLA, with five Bruins chosen in the first round and six overall, marking a record for the program. Betts was the first UCLA player to be drafted.

Currently in her rookie season with the Mystics, the 6-foot-7 center has become a regular contributor, averaging 6.5 points and 3.7 rebounds per game. Her achievements extended beyond the court this year, as she also received the 2026 ESPY Award for Best College Athlete, Women's Sports.

Lauren Betts' recognition with the Honda Cup underscores her exceptional collegiate career and her rapid impact in professional basketball. Her achievements contribute to the ongoing legacy of the Collegiate Women Sports Awards, which continues to highlight the accomplishments of female athletes.