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Coach's Lucky Pants: UCLA on Verge of NCAA Title
5 Apr
Summary
- UCLA coach Cori Close is wearing lucky black leather pants for the title game.
- The pants are the same ones worn during a Sweet 16 win over Minnesota.
- Close stated she is undefeated when wearing the pants this season.
UCLA women's basketball coach Cori Close is making a fashion statement rooted in superstition for the NCAA Tournament championship game. She opted to wear her black leather pants, the same pair she wore during the Bruins' 80-56 Sweet 16 victory against Minnesota.
Close, whose team is a No. 1 seed facing another No. 1 seed South Carolina, shared that the superstition around the pants gained traction due to popular demand. She humorously relayed that several people suggested she continue wearing them after their Final Four win.
This superstition reportedly began before the 2024-25 season when her strength coach, Ash Samaniego, introduced the 'leather up, coach' mantra. Since then, Close claims she has remained undefeated when sporting the distinctive attire.
