UCLA softball standout Megan Grant made a memorable impact on the basketball court, scoring her first collegiate points with a layup that sparked a wild bench celebration during the Bruins’ 78-60 victory over North Carolina on November 14, 2025. The moment highlighted her versatility as a dual-sport athlete and brought joy to the game, as reported by outlets like ESPN and USA Today.
In the closing seconds of the contest, Grant entered the game and quickly seized an opportunity by grabbing an offensive rebound. She then executed a smooth fadeaway layup, capping the scoring and securing the win for UCLA. The basket not only added to the lead but also set the stage for a heartfelt celebration that resonated with players and fans alike, capturing the essence of college sports camaraderie.
As the ball swished through the net, the UCLA bench erupted in enthusiastic cheers, and Grant responded by turning towards her teammates and performing a dance move. This spontaneous act was later revealed to be a TikTok routine that she had promised to do if she scored, adding a personal and fun element to the play. Teammate Lauren Betts, in post-game comments on ESPN2, expressed her excitement, saying, “I am so excited for her. She’s amazing. We love her. We’ve been talking about this for so long. It’s a TikTok dance. She said she was going to do it so she kept her word.”
Grant is primarily known for her exceptional skills in softball, where she earned All-American honors last season. Her impressive statistics include a .376 batting average, 26 home runs, and 81 runs batted in, with only nine strikeouts in 165 at-bats, showcasing her consistency and talent. Her decision to join the basketball team this year demonstrates her athletic prowess and the supportive culture at UCLA, which encourages multi-sport participation and values well-rounded athletes.
She follows in the footsteps of teammate Gabriela Jaquez, who has also competed in both softball and basketball, joining the 2024 UCLA softball team as a pinch runner. This tradition underscores the university’s commitment to fostering diverse talents and providing opportunities for athletes to explore different sports without compromising their primary commitments, enriching the collegiate experience.
While Grant’s role in basketball is limited to mop-up duties, her presence provides a morale boost and showcases the depth of talent within UCLA athletics. The incident underscores the camaraderie and fun that can be found in college sports, even at the highest levels of competition, and highlights how individual moments can strengthen team bonds and entertain audiences.
Looking forward, Grant will continue to focus on softball, where she is a key contributor to the Bruins’ success and championship aspirations. However, her basketball debut has already created a lasting memory for the team and fans, serving as a reminder of the positive aspects of collegiate athletics where personal achievements and team spirit intertwine.
In summary, Megan Grant’s layup and celebration were a testament to the joy and unity in sports, enriching the experience for all involved. As UCLA pursues excellence in both softball and basketball, such moments inspire and entertain, showcasing the best of student-athlete life and the boundless possibilities within intercollegiate competition.
