Lauren Betts, born on October 15, 2003, in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, is a prominent American college basketball player for UCLA Bruins.
She was a five-star recruit and the top player in her class, previously playing at Stanford before transferring to UCLA after one season.
In her sophomore year at UCLA, she averaged 14.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, earning multiple accolades including All-Pac-12 honors and recognition as a top center nationally.
Betts has also represented the U.S. in international competitions, winning gold medals at the FIBA U19 World Cup and U16 Americas Championship.
Parents
Lauren is the daughter of Michelle and Andy Betts.
Michelle played volleyball at Long Beach State, winning a national championship in 1993, while Andy was a professional basketball player who was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in 1998.
He played professionally in Europe for 14 years and represented both the England and Great Britain national teams.
Lauren is the oldest of four siblings, including her sister Sienna and brothers Dylan and Ashton.
Career
Betts attended Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado, where she quickly gained recognition as a basketball prodigy.
During her high school career, Betts emerged as a dominant force on the court, leading her team to a state championship and earning numerous accolades.
Her impressive performances made her a sought-after recruit, and she was ranked as the number one player in her class by multiple recruiting services, receiving five-star ratings.
In 2021, Betts committed to play for the Stanford Cardinal.
During her freshman year (2021-2022), she played a supportive role on a talented team that reached the NCAA Tournament.
Although her playing time was limited due to the depth of the roster, she showcased her potential with solid performances whenever given the opportunity.
After one season at Stanford, Betts decided to transfer to UCLA for the 2022-2023 season.
This move proved significant for her career development, as she quickly became a key player for the Bruins.
In her sophomore season, she had an outstanding performance, averaging 14.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.
Betts recorded several double-doubles and was recognized for her contributions on both ends of the court.
Betts has continued to excel in her current season (2023-2024).
She has maintained impressive averages and has been crucial in leading her team through competitive matchups.
Notably, she scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in a recent game against Indiana, showcasing her ability to perform under pressure.
Throughout her career so far, Lauren Betts has received several accolades, including All-Pac-12 honors, which recognize her as one of the top players in the Pac-12 Conference.
She has garnered national attention as one of the best centers in college basketball and is seen as a strong candidate for future professional opportunities.
In addition to her college success, Betts has represented the United States in international competitions.
She contributed to Team USA’s gold medal victory at the FIBA U19 World Cup and helped secure another gold medal for the national team at the U16 Americas Championship.
