Sienna Betts Earns Spot On Elite Award Watch List

Sienna Betts hass earned a spot on a watch list for a national award.

Feb 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close during the first quarter during an NCAA basketball game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

UCLA Women's basketball has some elite freshman talent on its 2025-2026 roster, including Sienna Betts. Betts is the young sister of Bruins' star center Lauren Betts, and was one of the top recruits in the entire 2025 recruiting class.

There's plenty of hype about Betts' college career at UCLA, and she's already making waves, earning a spot on a national award watch list.

Which Watch List Was Sienna Betts Named To?

Betts was named to the Katrina McClain Award watchlist. The award recognizes the top power forward in the nation each season and was created back in 2018. It's a significant honor for Betts, as she hasn't even played a game for the Bruins yet. 

Our freshman is a force! 💥

Sienna Betts has been named to the 2026 Katrina McClain Award preseason watch list!#GoBruins x #McClainAward pic.twitter.com/M2g9FDuDhm

— UCLA Women's Basketball (@UCLAWBB) October 30, 2025

It's understandable why Betts has so much hype entering her freshman season at UCLA. Not only is her sister one of the top players in the country, but it's hard to point to a better high school women's basketball player than Betts last season. 

247Sports' composite rankings listed Betts as a five-star recruit, the No. 3 overall player in the 2025 recruiting class, and the No. 1 power forward prospect. She's expected to play a significant role for the Bruins this season and should make an immediate impact for head coach Cori Close.

Mar 28, 2025; Spokane, WA, USA; UCLA Bruins center Lauren Betts (51) shoots against Ole Miss Rebels forward Christeen Iwuala (12) during the second half of a Sweet 16 NCAA Tournament basketball game at Spokane Arena. at Spokane Arena. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images | James Snook-Imagn Images

Unfortunately for UCLA fans, Betts has been ruled out of the team's season opener against San Diego State on Monday, November 3, but she'll make her Bruins' debut soon enough. 

To actually win the Katrina McClain award, Betts will have to outperform some of the nation's top players. UCLA fans can start voting for Betts on October 31, and the watchlist for the award will be narrowed down to 10. It will be trimmed from 10 to five in February before the winner is announced at some point in March.

Apr 3, 2025; Tampa, FL, USA; UCLA Bruins coach Cori Close poses with the AP and WBCA Coach of the Year trophies during press conference at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Here's a look at the other 19 women's basketball stars that were placed on the watchlist.

• Essence Cody, Alabama
• Darianna Littlepage-Buggs, Baylor
• Toby Fournier, Duke
• Meghan Andersen, Fairfield
• Allie Kubek, Florida State
• Hannah Stuelke, Iowa
• Addy Brown, Iowa State
• Amiya Joyner, LSU
• Mir McLean, Maryland
• Khamil Pierre, NC State
• Natalie Potts, Nebraska
• Latasha Lattimore, Ole Miss
• Maggie Doogan, Richmond
• Joyce Edwards, South Carolina
• Nunu Agara, Stanford
• Janiah Barker, Tennessee
• Sarah Strong, UConn
• Sacha Washington, Vanderbilt
• Sa'Myah Smith, Virginia

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