UCLA center Lauren Betts' public disclosure of her depression struggles earned strong praise from head coach Cori Close. Close, speaking Friday, called Betts' decision to share her story in the Players' Tribune 'courageous vulnerability,' expressing she 'cannot imagine' such openness at Betts' age. Close highlighted Betts' growth since missing games during her sophomore season due to mental health issues, including a hospital stay, and noted the team's supportive reaction when Betts addressed them upon her return.

Betts stated she wrote the story to show her personal growth and that her basketball journey is 'so much bigger than myself.'.