For a team known for their rallying cry, “Let’s get this chicken,” there couldn’t be a more fitting venue to commemorate their championship triumph than Raising Cane’s.

Following their groundbreaking victory, UCLA’s basketball stars Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice swapped their jerseys for aprons as they celebrated the Bruins’ first-ever NCAA Women’s Basketball National Championship.

On Thursday, April 8, the dynamic duo made a surprise appearance at Raising Cane’s in Hollywood, where they took on the roles of servers, engaging with fans both at the front counter and through the drive-thru. Riding the wave of their team’s dominant 37-1 season, Betts and Rice energized the crowd by distributing box combos, snapping photos, and rallying enthusiastic supporters.

Patrons at the Sunset Boulevard location were treated to an unexpected delight when select customers were personally served by the championship-winning athletes. Between taking orders, Betts and Rice shared moments of celebration with “Caniacs,” soaking in the excitement alongside fans who gathered to join the festivities.

This special event followed UCLA’s emphatic 79-51 victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks, a win that secured the Bruins’ first national title after years of near misses in the tournament.

“That moment was the best moment in my life,” Rice reflected on their championship win. “That’s what we came here to do – to achieve that goal and finish out our college career. There hasn’t been a ton of time to relax with the draft coming up, just getting back into it.”

Betts shared similar sentiments, expressing gratitude and anticipation for the future.

“I’m thankful for everyone who has worked hard to open doors for people like me and Kiki,” she said. “We’re living our dreams. It’s incredible. If my younger self could see me now, they’d be really proud.”

With the WNBA Draft imminent, both Betts and Rice are widely expected to be among the top selections, adding further excitement to their remarkable journey. Beyond their athletic achievements, the pair emphasized the broader significance of the growth in women’s basketball.

“It’s inspiring to witness the progress over the years,” Rice noted. “Fans are engaged and interested in our stories. Opportunities like this event at Raising Cane’s highlight how women’s sports continue to expand.”

Betts, who earned accolades such as Final Four Most Outstanding Player, Big Ten Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year, was a dominant force in the paint, while Rice excelled as one of the nation’s premier guards.

Raising Cane’s has a tradition of celebrating major sports milestones with fan-centric events, and this occasion was no exception. The Hollywood gathering was part of a nationwide series of celebrations honoring this year’s champions, bringing fans closer to the athletes they have supported throughout the season.