Lauren Betts wins ESPY Award, discusses mental health at ceremony

Lauren Betts received the 2026 ESPY for Best College Athlete in Women's Sports in New York on July 15. Betts led the UCLA women’s basketball team to their first NCAA Tournament championship, contributing 14 points and 11 rebounds in the decisive game against South Carolina. During her acceptance speech, she addressed her struggles with depression, emphasizing that mental health is integral to success. Shortly after the championship, she was selected fourth overall in the WNBA draft by the Washington Mystics, alongside her teammates Gabriela Jaquez and Kiki Rice, who were drafted at Nos. 5 and 6, respectively. UCLA set a record with five first-round WNBA picks from one team.

• 4:38 AMYahoo Sports — Former UCLA star Lauren Betts wins ESPY, shares important message about mental health