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League: WNBASport: BasketballCountry: United StatesCategory: General

Lauren Betts adjusts to WNBA with challenges and recognition

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 9:06 PM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

Lauren Betts adjusts to WNBA with challenges and recognition
Summary

Washington Mystics rookie Lauren Betts faced a surreal transition from UCLA to the WNBA this week. After helping her team secure a 79-62 victory over the Toronto Tempo, she accepted the ESPY Award for Best Women's College Athlete in Los Angeles. However, Betts returned to the Mystics, suffering a 75-56 loss to the Portland Fire. As she adapts to professional play, Betts is averaging 6.6 points and 3.5 rebounds over 23 games. Despite facing challenges, she remains positive, supported by former UCLA teammate Michaela Onyenwere and her college coach Cori Close.

Source Links
CBS Sports
Key Details
  • •Betts won a national championship with UCLA before joining the WNBA.
  • •She accepted the ESPY Award shortly after a game in Canada.
  • •The Mystics are currently vying for a playoff spot.
  • •Betts is adjusting to a reduced role, averaging 16 minutes per game.
  • •Michaela Onyenwere, her former coach, is a teammate, offering support.
Latest Updates
  • 9:06 PMCBS Sports — How Mystics rookie Lauren Betts is staying positive amid rocky and 'surreal' transition from UCLA to the WNBA
What they're saying
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'I feel like I still haven't processed the fact that we won a national championship,' Betts told CBS Sports

Related Teams & Leagues
WNBABasketball

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