Mother Bruin's Unwavering Support Fuels UCLA Women's March Madness Campaign
As the UCLA women's basketball team, seeded second overall with a stellar 31-1 record, prepares to open March Madness this weekend against 16th-seeded Cal Baptist at Pauley Pavilion, their most dedicated fan, Patti Close, will be in her customary seat near the bench. Affectionately dubbed "Mother Bruin," she is the mother of head coach Cori Close and a constant, reassuring presence for the players whenever they take the floor.
A Spirited Presence Defying Age
At 80 years old, Patti Close's vibrant energy and spirited attitude belie her years. She drives herself to games, arriving an hour before tipoff, a routine so ingrained that her daughter once scolded her for being late during Cori's tenure as an assistant at Florida State. "She told me, 'Don't you ever do that again,'" Patti recalled, while Cori emphasizes, "I just need to know she's safe." Her involvement extends beyond the game; at halftime, a steady stream of visitors stops by her seat, and post-game, she joins the interview room to hear "the straight scoop."
Filling a Void Through Basketball
After the loss of her husband, Don, a few years ago, ending their 53-year marriage, Patti found solace in being directly involved with the team. "That's a gift to me, for our team to be so kind to my mom, to give purpose for my mom," Cori said. This close-knit dynamic mirrors that of UCLA men's coach Mick Cronin, who keeps his widower father, Hep, nearby during the season. Since Cori took the UCLA job in 2011, Patti has traveled with the team to Europe and Africa, experiences she cherishes. "I never even had a passport," she said. "It's a dream. I love the kids. I always joke that I fall in love with them and they have the nerve to leave and graduate. How dare they."
Family Bonds and Team Connections
Spending time around the team keeps Patti feeling young and current, a sentiment echoed by her late husband's saying: "you're never too old to be immature." The family ties run deep, with Cori's two sisters, an aunt, and two cousins attending last year's NCAA Tournament, where the Bruins reached their first Final Four. "Our family has not been together this much in probably over a decade," Cori noted, "and so it's really a privilege that I could use my job to be able to experience that." Players frequently visit Cori's upscale house near campus, cooking and watching movies together, fostering off-court connections that enhance on-court performance.
Recruiting and Support Roles
Patti plays a key role in recruiting, arriving early for dinners with prospects and their parents at Cori's house. "I do my sales job and tell them that we will take care of their kid," she said, drawing from her own experience when Cori was recruited. Her support extends to current players, like senior guard Kiki Rice, whom she reassured about being far from home. Rice appreciated a gift basket with a handknitted blanket from Patti after shoulder surgery, saying, "It meant a lot to me." With a background as an interior designer for 35 years, Patti also offers decorating tips to the team's support staff.
Personal Reflections and Future Plans
Despite creating a tight-knit atmosphere, Cori, 54, reflects on being single, a situation she finds challenging. "I never thought that I would not be married," she said. "It stinks that I feel like it's easier for men to have it all than for women to have it all." She finds comfort in her religious faith and views coaching as a calling. Patti noted that her daughter always aimed to combine her love for basketball with investing in young lives. Looking ahead, Patti may eventually move onto Cori's property, which has space for a backyard cottage, though she jokes, "I'm not ready for Cori to be my boss."
Agreeing on Basketball Amid Differences
While mother and daughter occasionally butt heads—Cori describes Patti as "a borderline contrarian"—they share a deep agreement on basketball. As UCLA's season unfolds, whether it ends in a national championship or a rare loss, Patti admits it will be emotionally taxing. "I pretend that they need me," she said with a laugh. "Don't tell them." Her unwavering support continues to be a cornerstone of the team's spirit as they embark on their March Madness journey.
