After four incredible seasons with Washington State, Charlisse Leger-Walker was the face of the Cougars. She’s been the player who carried her team, broke records, and elevated the program to new heights. But now, this 23-year-old New Zealand native faces one of the toughest challenges of her career: an ACL injury. For someone who’s been the heartbeat of her team, it’s gut-wrenching. And it’s not just any season she’s missing. It’s her highly anticipated debut with the No. 1-ranked UCLA Bruins.

When UCLA snagged her in the transfer portal back in April, it was a move that turned heads. But, truth be told, the chances of her suiting up this season were always slim. It all began in January during a game against UCLA (what a coincidence!).

While representing Washington State, she tore her ACL in what would later be remembered as a bittersweet upset victory. That injury ended her season prematurely. At the time, her then-coach, Kamie Ethridge, shared, “Charlisse has given her heart and soul to Washington State and this program. We are heartbroken she will not finish her career at WSU on the court.”

“However, there’s zero doubt Charlisse will come back better than ever. She’ll forever be remembered as the greatest and winningest player in WSU women’s basketball history,” she said. And the hooper’s stats back up those words. 

Before her knee injury, she was averaging 13.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game. Her career totals are 1,743 points, making her third all-time in WSU scoring history.  She also led the Cougars to their first-ever Pac-12 Tournament championship, earning Pac-12 Tournament Most Outstanding Player honors.

This year, she was supposed to light up the court for UCLA. But coach Cori Close confirmed that Charlisse will use a medical redshirt and sit out the rest of the 2024-25 season. In Charlisse’s own words, “I had hoped I would be competing with the Bruins this season, but I’ve decided I need more time to get back.”

“I’m looking forward to getting fully healthy, training at an elite level, and returning to the court next year.” She’ll undoubtedly be back stronger, and the Bruins will benefit from her firepower when she’s ready. For now, though. The Bruins are at it, ranked No.1.

UCLA remains undefeated

Top in November doesn’t matter; what counts is March! While the new transfer’s absence is a blow, the Bruins aren’t slowing down. Back in late November, they solidified their No. 1 ranking with a dominant 15-point win over defending national champions South Carolina. 

Coach Cori Close, however, remains level-headed. “It’s not where you are in late November but where you are at the end of the season that counts,” she said. Despite the hype, Close has her eyes set on continued growth. Gabriela Jaquez, one of the team’s rising stars, echoed the same.

“It makes me so excited that we were able to play at such a high level, and we have so much more we need to grow in,” she said. The Bruins followed up their win against South Carolina with two more victories, pushing their record to 8-0. They’ve been dominant on the boards and are unstoppable in their offensive rebounding. 

However, the HC acknowledges room for improvement, especially in defensive rebounding and minimizing turnovers. This comes from the fact that they’re not just aiming for a strong start; they’re gunning for a national championship. As Close put it, “This is not something you do alone; it takes a village.” UCLA’s village is thriving, and its eyes are set on the prize.