WASHINGTON (7News) — The WNBA season is almost here.
Preseason is underway, and the Washington Mystics tip off their regular season one week from Friday. One player to watch: rookie center Lauren Betts. Fresh off a national title at UCLA, the 6’7” center is ready to bring a championship mindset to the nation’s capital.
After the Mystics selected Betts fourth overall in the 2026 WNBA Draft, it didn’t take long for her to settle in.
“I love these coaches, this organization, they’re really special and it’s like a family over here which I love, so it reminded me a lot of the UCLA program.”
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 05: Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins celebrates after the victory against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
A force in the college game, Betts helped lead UCLA to its first NCAA title. Now, alongside fellow first-rounders Angela Dugalic and Cotie McMahon, she’s poised to make an immediate impact for the Mystics.
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“Coach always says just stay true to what I do, be confident in what I do. I don’t have to do anything special, but it is nice that I get to elevate,” Betts said. “As a rookie, you’re going to make mistakes. It’s going to happen, and so just being comfortable with that, and learning every day, and just giving myself grace.”
Grace to grow — and grow together. The Mystics are the youngest team in the WNBA this season, and one of the youngest in league history. But Betts believes that’s exactly what makes this group special.
PHOENIX, ARIZONA – APRIL 05: Lauren Betts #51 of the UCLA Bruins gestures during the second quarter against the South Carolina Gamecocks in the National Championship of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Mortgage Matchup Center on April 05, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“I think it’s a really cool opportunity for us to be able to grow with this group, and we’re going to continue to get better and better and better as things go on,” she said.
And Betts already has a message for fans across the region: “Please support, it’s going to be such a good group of girls. We’re exciting, we’re competitive, we’re fun, and you guys should all show out.”
The Mystics wrap up preseason play on Sunday, May 3, against the Atlanta Dream. The team will open the regular season on Friday, May 8, on the road against the Toronto Tempo.