The UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team claimed the national championship title after a hard-fought victory against the South Carolina Gamecocks on April 5, 2026. This momentous win marked a significant achievement for the Bruins, but it seems they are still awaiting an official acknowledgment from President Donald Trump.
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During an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on April 7, team members—including Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, Angela Dugalic, and Lauren Betts—along with head coach Cori Close, discussed their triumph and expressed their surprise at not receiving congratulations from the current president. With their national championship fresh in their minds, the players shared their experiences and excitement about their recent victory.
Jimmy Kimmel, known for his witty banter, highlighted the absence of a congratulatory message from Trump and pointed out that former president Barack Obama had already reached out. The team responded enthusiastically to the news about Obama’s message, indicating the warmth of their achievement. Kimmel humorously noted that while Obama had predicted UCLA would lose the final, he still took the time to congratulate them, and Close quipped, “everybody makes mistakes.”
Rice, responding to Kimmel’s inquiry about whether they had heard from Trump, simply stated, “We have not.” Kimmel, who has been openly critical of Trump in the past, then jokingly suggested that the team might not hear from the president for “two weeks,” referencing Trump’s previous political ceasefire agreements.
Amid the laughter, Kimmel presented the Bruins with a gag trophy, whimsical in nature, suggesting they take it with them should they receive an invitation to the White House. “When you bring a trophy, he sometimes takes it and keeps it for himself,” Kimmel quipped, prompting laughter among the players as they entertained the light-hearted scenario.
The White House has not yet responded to inquiries regarding whether Trump has reached out to congratulate the UCLA players. While the president released a statement on the official website congratulating the men’s basketball teams from the University of Michigan and UConn, he notably did not extend similar sentiments to the women’s champions prior to their championship game.
In the aftermath of their victory, the Bruins have been making their way through various media outlets to celebrate their achievement. Coach Close appeared on the “Today” show, where she expressed immense pride in coaching such talented athletes and reflected on the critical experiences that paved the way for their championship win.
Furthermore, on the same day as their Kimmel appearance, the UCLA team received a warm welcome as special guests of the Los Angeles Lakers during their match against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The players proudly took to the court holding their championship trophy, donning custom jerseys as they celebrated with fans and fellow athletes alike.
As the UCLA women’s team continues to bask in their championship glory, the absence of an official acknowledgement from the president remains a curious element of their celebration. Fans and players alike are left wondering whether a congratulatory message will arrive, or if it will be another missed opportunity in a historical moment for the programme.
Ultimately, this championship win represents more than just a trophy; it signifies dedication, hard work, and an honourable recognition of skill and talent in women’s sports. The Bruins’ efforts to claim the title have undoubtedly inspired many, and the hope is that they will receive the recognition they deserve on all fronts, including from the White House.