Just one month after Cori Close inked a new deal to remain with the Bruins following a national championship, the head honcho has set out to reinforce her already prestigious staff.
[Related: Coach Cori Close signs new contract, continuing Fours Up for next four years]
UCLA women’s basketball signed Shannon LeBeauf as associate head coach for the 2026-27 season, returning her to the team she worked with for 14 years, the team announced Wednesday in a press release.
“UCLA has always been a special place for me because of the people, the purpose, and the commitment to excellence that exists throughout the program,” LeBeauf said in a written statement. “My time away provided valuable opportunities to grow as a coach, a leader, and a person, and I return with an even greater appreciation for what makes UCLA exceptional. I am thankful for God’s faithfulness throughout my journey and for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so meaningful to my growth both personally and professionally.”
LeBeauf initially departed from Westwood to take on the same role at Rutgers ahead of the most recent season.
Through her one year in New Jersey, the Scarlet Knights went 9-20 overall and had the worst Big Ten record. The former Rutgers coach announced on her Instagram on March 25 that she would not return to the school.
“My time as a Scarlet Knight was short, but I hope my impact was meaningful,” LeBeauf said in her Instagram post. “To my players, I love you! You challenged me, stretched me, and helped me grow as a coach. You made me mad, you made me laugh and I’m grateful for it all! I only wish we had more time together. Whatever you do, don’t waste your moments; time goes faster than you think.”
[Related: Women’s basketball coach Shannon LeBeauf departs program for same role at Rutgers]
LeBeauf has long been revered for her recruiting prowess, helping bring in the No. 1 recruiting class in both 2014 and 2022.
In 2014, the Bruins brought in a cohort of players that included Monique Billings, the 15th overall pick in the 2018 WNBA Draft. UCLA’s 2022 class was headlined by Kiki Rice and Gabriela Jaquez, both of whom remained with the Bruins for all four years of college and were core pieces of the 2026 championship squad. Rice and Jaquez have since become two of a record-breaking six Bruins to be drafted in the most recent WNBA draft.
“Shannon LeBeauf has been such an integral part of our program,” Close said in a written statement. “She is an elite recruiter and coach who knows how to build a number one recruiting class and develop them to their full potential, both as student-athletes and as young women. We’re so happy to welcome her back to UCLA – she leads with humility and grace, and she creates such meaningful relationships with everyone in our program.”
LeBeauf competed as a player for Iowa from 1995 to 1998, a period during which she helped the Hawkeyes win a Big Ten tournament championship and two regular-season conference titles.
After graduating, LeBeauf began as an assistant coach at her alma mater during the 1999-2000 season before taking on roles at USC and Duke for four and five seasons, respectively. Close hired her in 2011 and promoted her to associate head coach going into the 2019-20 season.
Across LeBeauf’s 14 seasons in Westwood, the Bruins went 321-143, including nine NCAA tournament appearances, five Sweet 16 trips, an Elite Eight showing and the Final Four in 2025.
LeBeauf now returns to a squad with the opportunity to go back-to-back as national champions – what could be both her and the program’s first time doing so.
