UCLA women's basketball is on a roll, and Coach Cori Close is leading the charge! In just a few days, the Bruins have secured two international commitments for their 2026 recruiting class, and it's an exciting development for the team.
On October 7, UCLA welcomed Joyce Isi Etute from Luxembourg, and now, on October 9, they've added another talented player to their roster. Meet Somto Okafor, a 5'9" guard from Barcelona, Spain, who has already made a name for herself on the international stage.
Okafor's commitment was announced on Instagram, where she expressed gratitude to her support system. With impressive stats playing for Spain's U19 and U20 teams, Okafor brings a wealth of experience to the Bruins.
But here's where it gets interesting: Okafor had initially committed to Arizona in 2024. However, with a coaching change at Arizona, Okafor decided to decommit, and that's when UCLA stepped in. Coach Close's willingness to recruit internationally has paid off once again.
"Close hasn't shied away from international talent, and her 2026 class is a testament to that."
With these two strong commitments, the Bruins are off to a great start, but they still have a lot of work to do. UCLA is anticipating the departure of eight players from their current roster, and they'll need to fill those spots with top talent.
Whether it's through high school recruiting, international scouting, or the transfer portal, Coach Close is leaving no stone unturned. Her active approach to recruiting is evident with the recent commitments of Etute and Okafor.
And this is the part most people miss: UCLA has a history of successful recruiting. In 2024, they brought in the No. 1 overall recruiting class, and in 2025, they landed Sienna Betts, the No. 2 overall player in the country. It seems like the Bruins are on track to repeat that success in 2026.
So, what do you think about UCLA's international recruiting strategy? Is it a smart move to tap into global talent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, and don't forget to follow @UCLAInsideronSI and @cmorenoNBA on X (Twitter) to stay updated with all things UCLA athletics!
