UCLA Champs Celebrate Title with Raising Cane’s Shift

Talk about the perfect way to celebrate a championship! Fresh off leading the UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team to their first-ever NCAA National Championship, stars Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice traded their jerseys for aprons. The dynamic duo surprised fans by working a celebratory shift at a Raising Cane’s in Hollywood.

From Hardwood to Countertop

On Thursday, April 8, Betts and Rice brought their championship energy to the Raising Cane’s on Sunset Blvd. They served fans from both the front counter and the drive-thru, handing out box combos and posing for photos. It was a sweet way to connect with supporters and soak in the incredible moment after capping off a dominant 37-1 season with a commanding 79-51 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks.

For a team whose rallying cry is “Let’s get this chicken,” celebrating at Raising Cane’s felt incredibly fitting. Customers were thrilled to be served by the championship duo, making the victory even more memorable for the UCLA faithful.

Reflecting on the Journey and Future

Both players shared their excitement about the historic win. “That moment was the best moment in my life,” Kiki Rice said about clinching the title. “That’s what we came here to do – to achieve that goal and finish out our college career.” She also touched on the rapid transition from celebrating to preparing for the upcoming WNBA draft.

Lauren Betts echoed the sentiment, expressing gratitude for the opportunities created for her and Rice. “We’re making our dreams come true. It’s unbelievable. If my younger self could see me now, they’d be really proud.” With both expected to be top WNBA draft picks, their future looks incredibly bright.

The Growth of Women’s Basketball

Beyond their personal achievements, Betts and Rice highlighted the significant growth in women’s basketball. “It’s been really great to see the growth after all these years,” Rice commented. “People are here and engaged and interested in our stories. It’s really cool to have opportunities like this one at Raising Cane’s at a time when women’s sports is growing.”

Betts, who earned Final Four Most Outstanding Player honors along with Big Ten Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards, anchored UCLA’s dominance in the paint. Rice, a top guard, led the charge offensively. Raising Cane’s event was part of a larger celebration, bringing fans closer to the athletes they’ve cheered for all season.