Lauren Betts went into the ESPYs with intention and went on to have one of the most memorable moments of the night.
The Mystics rookie and 2026 UCLA national champion won the ESPY for Best College Athlete in Women’s Sports on Wednesday night in the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York.
She chose to use that moment on stage to advocate for mental health.
“I feel like I have the opportunity with this platform that I have to speak on something that is really important to me,” she said. “So, for a lot of people who know me, they know everything about my mental health journey — everything that I speak up about and what I’m really open about. I just want people to know for people that know about my journey is that protecting my peace is the one thing that I’ve been as fierce about with chasing my dreams.
“Your mental health is not separate from your success. It’s the foundation of everything that you do. The strongest people aren’t the ones who never struggle. They’re the ones who have the courage to let someone walk through their struggle with them. I appreciate you guys so much thank you.”
Betts, who received the award from Heat star Bam Adebayo and rapper French Montana, has been open about her struggles with depression.
She has a post pinned to the top of her Instagram account from March featuring a quote she said in college.
2026 National Champion Lauren Betts won the ESPY for Best College Athlete – Women’s Sports and used her moment on stage to advocate for mental health 💚#WFinalFour x 🎥 ESPN pic.twitter.com/Pi13qdQcXF
— NCAA Women’s Final Four (@WFinalFour) July 16, 2026
“Mental health is real, it’s important and no one should have to through it alone. If my story helped one person feel seen, that’s bigger than anything that I could do on the court. Love you all,” it reads.
The 22-year-old stunned at the award show in a long, sparkling black dress with sheer detailing.
Before the awards show, Betts posted a video of her posing and dancing in her outfit, which she credited to stylist Katie Qian and makeup artist Keanda Vivar.
After winning her national title, Betts was selected fourth overall by the Mystics in the WNBA Draft. She was one of a record five UCLA players to be taken in the first round.
She has been part of the rotation in Washington, averaging 6.5 points and 3.6 rebounds per game on 53 percent shooting across 22 games, including one start.
The Mystics are 12-10 this season, 5.5 games behind the WNBA-leading Lynx (19-6).
Washington is currently in a playoff spot with the league’s seventh-best record — just ahead of the Liberty (13-11), who would be the eighth and final playoff team.
