Cori Close, the powerhouse behind UCLA women’s basketball, has become a transformative figure in college sports. With over 297 career wins and counting, she holds the title of winningest coach in UCLA women’s basketball history—a position earned through grit, mentorship, and vision. Yet, for all her visibility on the court, Close remains something of an enigma off of it. Questions about her romantic life, specifically whether she has a wife or partner, continue to intrigue fans—but the answers remain elusive.
A Career Built on Impact and Integrity
Born on July 29, 1971, Cori Close is now 53 years old and has spent more than three decades in the coaching world. After earning her stripes as an assistant coach at UCLA in the mid-1990s, she honed her skills at UC Santa Barbara—her alma mater—before taking a major step forward at Florida State University, where she served as associate head coach and co-recruiting coordinator for seven seasons.
Since taking over as UCLA head coach in 2011, Close has rewritten the program’s legacy. From capturing the WNIT Championship in 2015 to six NCAA Tournament appearances in the past seven seasons, she’s turned UCLA into a consistent postseason threat. In 2024, she led the Bruins to their second consecutive Sweet Sixteen appearance, further solidifying her status among the nation’s elite coaches.
But Close’s vision for success goes beyond wins. “I want to be a part of who these women are becoming and who they are impacting,” she said, echoing the philosophy she inherited from the legendary John Wooden—that character and process matter more than trophies.
A Private Life by Design
Despite her public role, Cori Close’s personal life remains fiercely private. Unlike many public figures who share glimpses of their relationships on social media or in interviews, Close maintains a firm boundary between her coaching career and private matters. This has naturally fueled curiosity about her marital status—especially among fans wondering if she has a wife or long-time partner.
So far, Close has not confirmed any romantic relationship publicly. She has never addressed having a spouse, husband, or wife in any interviews. But she hasn’t dodged the subject entirely.
In a rare personal reveal featured in UCLA’s “Meet Coach Cori Close” segment, she shared two simple bucket list goals:
- Travel to Israel
- Find a husband
Additionally, when asked whom she would most like to meet, she cheekily listed: “Mother Teresa, Tony Dungy, and my husband.” Whether that was said with sincerity or sarcasm, the message was clear—Close may be open to love, but she’s in no rush to make her personal relationships part of the public discourse.
Prioritizing Purpose Over Publicity
In today’s hyper-connected world, where many public figures live their lives online, Cori Close is a refreshing throwback. Her focus remains squarely on coaching, mentorship, and program development. “Basketball has been the fabric of my life, from relationship building to work ethic and time management. It has shaped how I live my life,” she shared in a UC Santa Barbara alumni feature.
That life includes two beloved dogs, Mocha and Latte, whose names were chosen by a teammate during her time at Florida State. It also includes decades of relationships built with players, assistant coaches, and fellow mentors—connections that, to her, may be just as meaningful as any romantic one.
For UCLA players like Charisma Osborne, Close’s approach to coaching is deeply personal. “She really cares about us more than just basketball players,” Osborne said, highlighting Close’s reputation for developing athletes not just on the court, but in life.
Net Worth and Financial Standing
Given her long tenure and consistent success, Cori Close’s net worth is estimated to be between $2 million and $3 million in 2025. Her income comes from her head coaching salary at UCLA, performance-based bonuses, and likely earnings from speaking engagements and leadership programs. While not flashy, her financial portfolio reflects a career of steady, sustained impact in a highly competitive field.
Commitment to Growth—On and Off the Court
Close’s coaching philosophy is rooted in creating “uncommon transformational experiences” for young women. She wants her players to leave UCLA equipped not just to win games, but to succeed in careers, relationships, and personal growth.
This belief system mirrors her admiration for Coach Wooden, whom she met at just 22 years old. Wooden’s influence on her coaching style is still visible—emphasizing fundamentals, building character, and prioritizing people over results.
Final Thoughts
While fans may never get full access to Cori Close’s private life, what they do get is a consistent, deeply human leader who lives out her principles with intention. Whether she’s single or in a private relationship, it’s clear that love, for Close, is expressed through action, mentorship, and building a community.
Her life may not follow a conventional playbook, but that’s part of her mystique. And if you ask the players she’s coached or the programs she’s built, they’ll tell you: Cori Close’s story is already a win—both on and off the court.
