Lauren Betts, the towering 6-foot-7 center for the UCLA Bruins, has emerged as one of the most dominant forces in women’s college basketball. A former No. 1 recruit, McDonald’s All-American, and 2025 Naismith Women’s College Defensive Player of the Year, Betts has captivated fans with her skill, resilience, and commanding presence on the court. But behind her meteoric rise lies a family steeped in athletic excellence, with her parents, Michelle and Andrew Betts, playing pivotal roles in shaping her journey. 

This article delves into the lives of Lauren Betts’ parents, exploring their athletic backgrounds, personal stories, and the profound influence they’ve had on their daughter’s career. Drawing from the latest information available, we’ll also address common questions people have been asking about the Betts family, providing a comprehensive and engaging look at this remarkable athletic dynasty.

Who Are Lauren Betts’ Parents?

Lauren Betts was born to Michelle and Andrew Betts, both former Division I athletes whose athletic careers laid the foundation for their daughter’s success. While the couple is no longer together, their amicable relationship and unwavering support for Lauren and her siblings have fostered a nurturing environment for their children’s athletic and personal growth. Michelle, a volleyball star, and Andrew, a professional basketball player, brought their passion for sports and resilience to their parenting, instilling in Lauren the drive and discipline that have made her a standout in women’s basketball.

Michelle Betts: The Volleyball Champion

Michelle Betts, Lauren’s mother, is a former volleyball standout who played for Long Beach State University, where she was part of the 1993 NCAA Division I women’s volleyball national championship team. Known as the “Dirtbags” during her era, the team’s success highlighted Michelle’s talent and competitive spirit. Growing up as an Air Force kid, Michelle moved frequently, developing adaptability and a knack for connecting with people, traits that have made her a beloved figure in her family and community.

After her volleyball career, Michelle transitioned into roles that leveraged her experience as a student-athlete. From 1997 to 1998, she worked as a mentor and academic advisor for student-athletes, a role that equipped her with the skills to guide Lauren through the pressures of high-level athletics. Today, Michelle is a realtor for West and Main Homes in Colorado, where she uses her people skills to help clients find their dream homes. Her Instagram handle, @michelleb.bossrealtormom, reflects her dual role as a professional and a devoted mother.

Michelle’s influence on Lauren extends beyond athletics. When Lauren struggled with bullying due to her height in middle school, Michelle encouraged her to seek counseling, helping her build mental resilience. Lauren has spoken fondly of spending time with her mother, describing it as one of her “favorite things.” Michelle’s emotional support was evident when she shared a heartfelt Instagram post in March 2025, celebrating her daughter Sienna’s decision to join Lauren at UCLA and wear Michelle’s No. 16 jersey, a moment that brought her to tears.

Andrew Betts: The Basketball Trailblazer

Andrew “Andy” Betts, Lauren’s father, is a 7-foot-1 British former professional basketball player whose career spanned college, the NBA draft, and European leagues. Born on May 11, 1977, in Leicester, England, Andrew’s basketball journey began with the Leicester Riders, where his towering height caught attention at age 14. He played college basketball at Long Island University’s C.W. Post Campus from 1994 to 1997 before transferring to Long Beach State University for his senior year (1997–1998). At Long Beach State, Andrew averaged an impressive 18.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, showcasing his dominance as a power forward.

In 1998, Andrew was selected by the Charlotte Hornets in the second round of the NBA Draft (50th overall pick). Although he didn’t play in the NBA, he embarked on a 14-year professional career in Europe, playing for top clubs in Italy (Fortitudo Bologna), Greece, Spain, and other countries. His time in Spain’s Liga ACB coincided with Lauren’s birth in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, on October 15, 2003. Andrew’s international career exposed Lauren to basketball from a young age, as she traveled with the family and watched her father compete at the highest levels.

After retiring in 2012, Andrew returned to Leicester, where he serves as a sporting ambassador for the Leicester Riders, mentoring young athletes and giving back to the community that launched his career. His influence on Lauren is profound, both genetically—she inherited his height and through direct mentorship. Lauren has recalled a pivotal conversation with her father, who told her, “You are going to have to work really hard to get where you want to go.” This advice spurred her to dedicate herself to basketball, spending countless hours in the gym to hone her skills.

The Betts Family: A Dynasty of Height and Talent

The Betts family is a remarkable example of athletic genes and competitive spirit. Beyond Lauren, Michelle and Andrew have three other children Sienna, Dylan, and Ashton each showing promise in basketball or other endeavors. The family’s extraordinary height has also garnered attention, with a viral photo shared by Michelle in March 2025 showcasing Lauren (6’7”), Sienna (6’4”), and Dylan (7’2”) towering over one another.

Sienna Betts: The Next UCLA Star

Sienna Betts, Lauren’s younger sister, is a 6-foot-4 power forward and one of the top recruits in the Class of 2025. Like Lauren, Sienna plays for Grandview High School in Aurora, Colorado, and has committed to UCLA, setting the stage for a potential sister duo in the Bruins’ frontcourt. Ranked as ESPN’s No. 2 recruit, Sienna’s decision to wear her mother’s No. 16 jersey at UCLA was a poignant moment for Michelle, who expressed her pride and emotion on social media. Sienna’s commitment ensures that the Betts legacy at UCLA will continue, with fans eagerly awaiting her debut.

Dylan Betts: The 7-Foot-2 Prodigy

Dylan Betts, Lauren’s younger brother, is a 7-foot-2 freshman at Cherry Creek High School in Colorado, already turning heads as a basketball prospect in the Class of 2028. At just 15 years old, Dylan’s size and potential have drawn comparisons to his father, and his early performances suggest he could follow in Lauren’s footsteps as a major recruit. While still in the early stages of his career, Dylan benefits from the family’s basketball expertise, with Andrew and Lauren providing guidance.

Ashton Betts: The Youngest Sibling

Ashton Betts, the youngest sibling and Lauren’s half-brother on Andrew’s side, is still in elementary school. Little is publicly known about Ashton, but given the family’s athletic pedigree, he’s likely growing up in a competitive, sports-driven environment. The Betts siblings share a close bond, often playing 2v2 basketball games when Lauren visits Colorado, with Lauren and Sienna teaming up against Andrew and Dylan.

How Michelle and Andrew Shaped Lauren’s Basketball Journey

Lauren Betts’ path to stardom was not without challenges, and her parents played critical roles in helping her navigate them. From her early years in Spain to her struggles with bullying in middle school and her transfer from Stanford to UCLA, Michelle and Andrew provided unwavering support, blending tough love with emotional encouragement.

Early Exposure to Basketball

Lauren’s childhood was shaped by her father’s professional career in Europe. Born in Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain, she lived in cities like Barcelona, Seville, Málaga, and San Sebastian before the family settled in Centennial, Colorado, when she was eight. Watching Andrew play exposed Lauren to the nuances of basketball, from footwork to mental toughness. By the time she started playing competitively, she had a natural feel for the game, enhanced by her height and athleticism.

Michelle, meanwhile, fostered Lauren’s love for sports beyond basketball. As a child, Lauren dabbled in dance, swimming, soccer, and volleyball, reflecting her mother’s versatile athletic background. These experiences helped Lauren develop coordination and confidence, which she later channeled into basketball.

Overcoming Bullying and Embracing Height

Standing over six feet tall by middle school, Lauren faced relentless bullying, with peers calling her names like “alien” and “giraffe.” The stares and whispers took a toll, leaving her shy and self-conscious. Michelle and Andrew were her anchors during this period. Michelle, protective and fierce, confronted parents who stared at Lauren in public, while Andrew offered practical advice, emphasizing hard work and resilience. Michelle also suggested counseling, which helped Lauren build mental fortitude and embrace her height as a strength.

Her third-grade teacher, Dane Swanson, also played a key role, relating to Lauren as someone who had been the tallest kid in school. His daily affirmations “You are who you are. Don’t allow them to take your power away from you” resonated with Lauren, complementing her parents’ guidance. By high school, Lauren had transformed her height into an asset, dominating at Grandview High School and earning the No. 1 recruit ranking from ESPN.

The Stanford-to-UCLA Transfer: A Turning Point

Lauren’s freshman year at Stanford (2022–2023) was a low point. Despite high expectations as the No. 1 recruit, she averaged only 9.7 minutes per game, struggling with confidence and pressure to be perfect. Social media criticism exacerbated her anxiety, leading to physical symptoms like headaches, nausea, and hair loss. Andrew noticed Lauren’s fear of making mistakes, while Michelle sensed her unhappiness, rating Lauren’s confidence at Stanford as a “three out of ten.”

Michelle was instrumental in Lauren’s decision to transfer. After a scoreless performance in Stanford’s NCAA Tournament loss to Ole Miss, Michelle told Lauren, “You’re gonna get the hell out of here.” Lauren entered the transfer portal and chose UCLA, where she found a supportive environment under coach Cori Close. The move paid off: in her sophomore season, Lauren averaged 14.9 points and 9.3 rebounds, earning All-Pac-12 and Pac-12 All-Defensive Team honors. By her junior year (2024–2025), she was averaging 20.2 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.9 blocks, leading UCLA to the Final Four and cementing her status as a top WNBA prospect.

FAQs

What is Andrew Betts’ background?

Andrew Betts is a British former professional basketball player. He played at Long Island University Post and later at Cal State Long Beach, where he averaged 18.7 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. In 1998, he was selected 50th overall in the NBA Draft by the Charlotte Hornets but pursued a professional career in Europe, playing for teams in Italy, Spain, Ukraine, and Greece over 14 years. 

What is Michelle Betts’ background?

Michelle Betts is a former NCAA Division I volleyball player who played for Long Beach State University. She was part of the team that won the national championship in 1993. After her athletic career, she served as an academic advisor for student-athletes and later became a Realtor.

Are there any public tributes Lauren has made to her parents?

Yes, Lauren has publicly expressed gratitude to her parents. On Mother’s Day, she shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, stating, “Happy Mother’s Day to this beautiful woman. You truly are the most amazing mom. I couldn’t do this life without you.”

How did their athletic backgrounds influence Lauren?

Growing up in a family with such strong athletic roots, Lauren was exposed to sports from a young age. Her father’s professional basketball career and her mother’s volleyball success provided her with unique insights and guidance, shaping her into the elite athlete she is today. 

What about Michelle Betts?

Michelle Betts is a former Division I volleyball player at Long Beach State, where she was part of the 1993 national championship-winning team. Beyond her athletic achievements, she has worked as an academic advisor for student-athletes and is currently a realtor. 

In Summary

Lauren Betts’ journey to becoming one of the most promising stars in women’s college basketball is deeply rooted in her family’s remarkable athletic pedigree. With a father who played professional basketball internationally and a mother who was a national champion volleyball player, Lauren was raised in a household that nurtured discipline, dedication, and elite sportsmanship. Her siblings are also following similar paths, making the Betts family a true powerhouse in the world of youth and collegiate athletics. 

Understanding her background not only adds depth to Lauren’s story but also highlights the important role family plays in shaping athletic excellence. As she continues to rise at UCLA, Lauren Betts stands as a testament to both natural talent and a strong, supportive foundation.

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