UCLA Softball Star Grant Joins Basketball Team

From Softball Diamond to Hardwood: Megan Grant Joins UCLA Women’s Basketball

UCLA is set to feature a remarkable two-sport athlete this upcoming season as two-time All-American softball star Megan Grant officially joins the Bruins’ women’s basketball program. The 5-foot-10 Grant,who will be listed as a guard/forward,brings a powerhouse presence to the court after a dominant career on the softball diamond.

“Basketball was my first love and has always brought out a childlike spirit in me,” Grant shared in a statement Friday. “So putting on this jersey and being a small piece in this historically great program is a dream come true.”

Grant has been instrumental to the UCLA softball team’s success over the past three years. This past season alone, she shattered the Big Ten single-season record for home runs with an remarkable 26.Nationally, she ranked among the top ten in both runs batted in (81) and slugging percentage (.933). Her contributions were vital in leading the Bruins to consecutive Women’s College World Series appearances, two Pac-12 conference regular-season titles, and a Pac-12 tournament championship.

UCLA Women’s Basketball Head Coach Cori Close expressed her enthusiasm for Grant’s arrival. “she’s arguably the number one softball player in the United States, we’re trying to be the number one basketball program in the United States,” Close stated. “There’s a mindset crossover with that. So to combine her passion and joy for the game and having her standard of excellence and her mindset for her craft, that’s going to be a huge addition to our program.”

Grant’s athletic prowess is not limited to one sport. During her time at Aragon High School in San Mateo, California, she excelled across multiple disciplines.She earned four varsity letters in softball and three each in women’s basketball and volleyball. In her high school basketball career, Grant averaged a solid 7.8 points and 5.9 rebounds per game.

Softball coach Kelly Inouye-Perez echoed the sentiment of pride in Grant’s transition. “Our fan base is familiar with the all-out effort megan gives on the diamond each and every day, and I have no doubt that will translate to the hardwood,” she commented. The Bruins faithful are eager to witness Grant’s dynamic energy and competitive spirit on the basketball court.

How does maya Grant’s decision to pursue a dual-sport career challenge the traditional specialization model in collegiate athletics?

A Historic Crossover: Maya Grant’s Dual-Sport Pursuit

Maya Grant, a standout performer for the UCLA Bruins softball team, has officially joined the UCLA women’s basketball team for the upcoming 2025-2026 season. This unprecedented move marks a rare instance of a power Five athlete competing at a high level in two sports simultaneously. The decision, announced by UCLA Athletics on July 12, 2025, has sent ripples through both the softball and basketball communities. Grant’s versatility and athletic prowess are already generating significant buzz.

Grant’s Softball Career Highlights

Before embarking on this dual-sport journey,Maya Grant established herself as a dominant force in collegiate softball.Key achievements include:

Pac-12 All-Conference Selection (2024 & 2025): Recognized for her remarkable performance in the highly competitive Pac-12 conference.

NFCA All-American Honorable Mention (2024): Acknowledged nationally for her skills and contributions to the UCLA softball program.

.340 Career Batting Average: Demonstrating consistent hitting ability throughout her collegiate career.

Exceptional Fielding Percentage: Known for her reliability and skill in the outfield.

Key Role in UCLA’s 2024 WCWS Run: Contributed considerably to the Bruins’ notable run in the Women’s College World Series.

These accomplishments showcase grant’s dedication and talent, making her a valuable asset to both teams. Her softball statistics and game footage are readily available on the UCLA Athletics website and ESPN.

Why Basketball? Exploring Grant’s Athletic Background

While renowned for her softball skills,Maya Grant’s athletic background extends beyond the diamond. she was a highly recruited basketball player in high school, averaging 18 points and 10 rebounds per game during her senior year.

High School Basketball Accolades: Multiple All-State selections and a McDonald’s All-American nominee.

Versatile Skillset: Possesses a strong shooting touch, excellent court vision, and impressive athleticism.

Long-Held Passion: Grant has consistently expressed a desire to return to basketball, viewing it as a complementary sport to softball.

UCLA Women’s Basketball Head Coach Cori Close expressed excitement about Grant’s addition, highlighting her potential to contribute to the team’s success. The move allows Grant to pursue a childhood dream while continuing her collegiate softball career.

The Logistical Challenges of a Dual-Sport athlete

Competing in two sports at the collegiate level presents significant logistical challenges. UCLA Athletics has worked closely wiht both coaching staffs to develop a schedule that accommodates Grant’s commitments.

Season Overlap: Managing the overlapping seasons of softball and basketball will require careful planning and prioritization.

training Schedule: Balancing training regimens for two demanding sports will necessitate a customized approach to conditioning and recovery.

Travel Demands: Coordinating travel schedules for both teams will be crucial to minimize fatigue and ensure Grant’s well-being.

Academic Balance: Maintaining academic excellence while juggling athletic commitments will require exceptional time management skills.

UCLA’s commitment to supporting student-athletes, combined with Grant’s dedication and work ethic, will be essential to navigating these challenges successfully.

Potential Impact on UCLA Basketball

Grant’s addition to the basketball team brings a unique set of skills and attributes.

Athleticism and Versatility: Her exceptional athleticism and versatility will provide Coach Close with valuable options on the court.

Defensive Potential: Grant’s speed and agility could make her a disruptive force on defense.

Offensive Contributions: Her shooting ability and court awareness could add another dimension to the Bruins’ offense.

Team Chemistry: Grant’s positive attitude and competitive spirit are expected to enhance team chemistry.

Analysts predict Grant will likely see playing time as a guard, utilizing her shooting and defensive capabilities. Her impact on the team’s overall performance remains to be seen, but the potential is undeniable.

The Broader Implications: A Trend in Multi-Sport Athletes?

Maya Grant’s decision to pursue a dual-sport career is part of a growing trend in collegiate athletics. Several athletes are choosing to compete in multiple sports, challenging the traditional specialization model.

Increased Emphasis on Athletic Versatility: Coaches are increasingly recognizing the value of athletes with diverse skillsets.

Growing Support for Student-Athlete Well-being: Universities are prioritizing the holistic development of student-athletes, encouraging them to pursue their