Podcast Summary: "Cori Close, the Uncommon Coach"
No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show
Release Date: November 30, 2023

Introduction

In this episode of No Offseason: The Athletic Women's Basketball Show, host Zena Keita engages in a profound conversation with Coach Corey Close of the UCLA Bruins. Known for her exemplary leadership and impressive 6-0 record in the PAC-12, Coach Close delves into her coaching philosophy, the evolving landscape of women's basketball, and the collaborative spirit of the PAC-12 conference.

UCLA's Tradition of Excellence and Pride

[06:30]
Coach Close emphasizes the legacy of excellence at UCLA, highlighting how the university's storied history fosters a culture of elite performance and humility. She states, "Excellence and elite are the two words that always sort of well up in me." This commitment extends beyond athletics, encompassing academic achievements and community service, reinforcing the Bruins' prestigious reputation.

[07:34]
Zena Keita acknowledges how UCLA's environment elevates both players and coaches, fostering a tradition that enhances personal and professional growth. She remarks, "When you step into that sort of tradition, it really does elevate the way that you show up as a student athlete or a coach."

Team Performance and Record

[08:11]
Discussing her team's impressive 6-0 start in the PAC-12, Coach Close remains humble yet proud. She notes, "I'm not the only one that's six zero," highlighting the collective effort behind the team's success. This undefeated streak underscores UCLA's dominance and strategic prowess within the conference.

Navigating the Transfer Portal and Recruitment

[09:17]
Coach Close addresses the complexities of the modern transfer portal, describing it as a "non-traditional" aspect of recruitment. She shares her perspective: "What matters is, how do I lead a principled, centered program, how do I adjust as a leader and pivot to put our players in a chance to be successful at the highest levels." Her focus remains on maintaining the integrity and mission of the program amidst changing recruitment dynamics.

[11:32]
Reflecting on her long coaching career, Coach Close discusses how the transfer portal has added another layer to her responsibilities. She states, "Well, it definitely has given me another full-time job," emphasizing the need for balance between high school recruits and transfer players to build a cohesive and talented team.

Leadership in a Changing Landscape

[10:55]
Coach Close emphasizes the importance of leading proactively in a shifting sports environment. She asserts, "My job is to lead in a way that's pro, that's principled, centered, that's mission-minded," highlighting her commitment to adapting leadership strategies without compromising the program's core values.

[13:51]
Discussing the integration of technology and human connection, Coach Close underscores the necessity of maintaining personal relationships despite the digital age. She mentions, "We need to learn to just have real connection and human relationships and that's not easy," advocating for a balanced approach between virtual communication and face-to-face interactions.

Coaching Younger Players and Embracing Gen Z

[15:31]
With a roster comprising mostly freshmen and sophomores, Coach Close shares insights into coaching the digitally native Gen Z athletes. She explains, "The more we can explain the why and give them ownership of decisions, the more effective and the better the buy-in is going to be." This approach fosters autonomy and purpose among young players, preparing them for future challenges both on and off the court.

[18:26]
Highlighting the importance of authentic communication, Coach Close describes her strategy of balancing authority with empathy. She states, "At the top of my practice plans, every single one is to find the right balance of struggle and joy," ensuring that practices are both productive and fulfilling for her athletes.

Personal Anecdotes and Inspirations

[20:24]
Coach Close shares her academic background in sociology, influenced by her father, a therapist. This foundation contributes to her empathetic and holistic coaching style. She reveals, "My dad was a therapist, so I'm a teacher and a coach, so I do come by it naturally."

[21:59]
Reflecting on her experiences with Team USA and college coaching, Coach Close discusses the differing approaches required in each setting. She emphasizes the significance of character and process, stating, "At UCLA, it's champions from the inside out. It's character over outcomes."

[24:45]
In a heartfelt moment, Coach Close recounts surviving the loss of her daughter while coaching Team USA, showcasing her resilience and the profound support from her players. She shares, "The kids came up to me and put their hands on my shoulders and said, 'That was for your dad.'"

PAC-12: A Collaborative and Integrity-Driven Conference

[34:32]
Coach Close highlights the unique camaraderie within the PAC-12, emphasizing collective efforts to elevate women's basketball. She notes, "The amount of coaches that have been willing to take off their institutional hat and say, we are going to work together to raise the conference." This collaboration fosters a supportive environment, leading to lower transfer rates and heightened integrity across programs.

[35:57]
She further praises the PAC-12's commitment to positive recruiting practices, stating, "If you're going to cheat to get you, they're going to cheat to keep you," underscoring the conference's integrity and mutual respect among coaches.

Closing Thoughts

[37:07]
As the conversation wraps up, Zena Keita commends Coach Close for her dedication and impactful leadership. She remarks, "It's clear that you're making it very, very hard for student athletes to choose between you... you're making it very, very hard for student athletes to choose between you."

[38:10]
Coach Close expresses her gratitude towards The Athletic for championing women's sports and acknowledges the platform it provides for growth and exposure. She concludes, "It's an honor for me to come alongside that end and appreciated about the commitment to women in sport that Athletic has shown."

Key Takeaways

• Leadership with Integrity: Coach Close prioritizes principled leadership, balancing modern recruitment challenges with the program's core values.

• Embracing Change: Adapting to the digital age while maintaining personal connections is crucial for building a cohesive team.

• Collaborative Spirit: The PAC-12's unique collaboration among coaches fosters a supportive and integrity-driven environment, elevating the entire conference.

• Holistic Coaching: Emphasizing character development and personal growth, Coach Close prepares her athletes for success beyond the basketball court.

• Resilience and Support: Personal anecdotes illustrate the profound impact of supportive relationships within the team, highlighting the strength of community in overcoming challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Coach Corey Close [06:30]: "Excellence and elite are the two words that always sort of well up in me."

• Coach Corey Close [09:17]: "What matters is, how do I lead a principled, centered program, how do I adjust as a leader and pivot to put our players in a chance to be successful at the highest levels."

• Coach Corey Close [15:31]: "The more we can explain the why and give them ownership of decisions, the more effective and the better the buy-in is going to be."

• Coach Corey Close [21:59]: "At UCLA, it's champions from the inside out. It's character over outcomes."

• Coach Corey Close [34:32]: "The amount of coaches that have been willing to take off their institutional hat and say, we are going to work together to raise the conference."

This episode provides a deep dive into Coach Corey Close's visionary approach to women's basketball, her unwavering commitment to her players' development, and the powerful collaborative ethos of the PAC-12. Listeners gain valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of college sports and the essential balance between tradition and innovation.