Coach Close Forgives $10M Debt for Wildfire Victims

UCLA head coach Cori Close is championing a significant wildfire relief initiative, partnering with Wescom Financial and ForgiveCo. This collaboration supports the Wescom Foundation's effort to forgive $10 million worth of debt for individuals and families affected by wildfires that devastated Altadena and the Pacific Palisades on January 7, 2025. Close emphasized that one should never be too busy to do the right thing, especially when cherished supporters of her program lost their homes.

Close shared deeply personal accounts of supporting families through their immense loss, including being on a plane with a family when they learned their home was destroyed. She highlighted the profound impact of Wescom's multi-year debt relief, noting that recipients initially struggled to believe it wasn't a scam. These interactions have profoundly shaped Close's dedication to the cause, making her advocacy for the initiative deeply meaningful and authentic.

Beyond her community work, Close also discussed the development of her players, emphasizing the power of mentorship. She praised Aliyah Boston for her encouragement of Lauren Betts, illustrating how established athletes can uplift rising stars. This philosophy extends to leadership within the sport, as Close anticipates a shared leadership model for future national teams, prioritizing collective goals and daily contributions over individual prominence.