UCLA Fans Come Together in Arizona to Support Their Beloved Final Four Bruins
PHOENIX — UCLA supporters filled the streets of downtown Phoenix ahead of Friday’s Final Four matchup against Texas. Across from the Mortgage Matchup Center, hundreds donned blue and gold at Tom’s Watch Bar during a private UCLA alumni gathering.
Despite the disappointment of a previous 85-51 semifinal loss to UConn, Bruins fans made the six-hour drive from Los Angeles to witness UCLA’s second Final Four appearance. Among the attendees were alumni Candice Wilmuth and Amy Shoemaker, who traveled from Lake Tahoe and Long Beach, respectively.
“I am excited for women’s basketball to get the support that men’s gets,” Shoemaker said. “For me, part of coming out this weekend is also putting my money where my mouth is. This is part of women stepping up and getting the recognition they deserve. I want UCLA basketball for women to be the same moneymaker as it is for men’s. If I’m walking through the airport and people ask, ‘Why are you wearing your UCLA gear?’ I want to say, ‘UCLA’s in the Final Four.’ They shouldn’t have to say, ‘It’s the women.’ That’s what I hope, because I think UCLA has an incredible sports lore. I think it’s super exciting.”
As the game unfolded, UCLA fans cheered during a dominant first quarter. Shoemaker expressed hope that two-time All-American Lauren Betts could establish a legacy comparable to UCLA’s celebrated male athletes. “I hope that, in 20 years, when Lauren Betts is at a game, people will stand up and clap for her like they do for Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,” she said.
Wilmuth added that they admire the character of UCLA’s team, coached by Cori Close. “They’re the kind of people you want to be, not just amazing basketball players, but individuals making positive choices. That’s so much more important than just a sport, and it makes me proud to be a Bruin.”
Scott and Dianne Parker, a retired couple from South Pasadena, decided last minute to support the Bruins in Arizona after attending their first two games at Pauley Pavilion this season. “I’m an alum, and on Tuesday or Wednesday, we said, ‘Let’s go to Phoenix!’” Dianne said. “We’re retired. We could do it.”
Dianne is optimistic about the team’s future. “I expect more wins. Cori Close is a great coach. I think she’s got what it takes to build a good team. They’re losing a lot of talent, so that will be hard, but I think she’ll put the best team together.”
For Kathy Jeffries and her daughter Kirstie, the choice to travel from Pasadena for the Final Four was easy. “We are season ticket holders for the Bruins, and we just could not pass this up,” Kathy said. “Once in a lifetime. Well, hopefully not once in a lifetime, but the first in a lifetime.”
Kirstie expressed hope for the team’s chances this year, contrasting with last year’s heartbreak. “Last year’s team was a great team, but they seem to have even more camaraderie and chemistry.”
As the Bruins advance, fans remain hopeful for continued success and recognition in women’s basketball, seeking to solidify UCLA’s legacy in the sport.
