SPOKANE, Wash. -- An unsung key to the success of the number one-seed UCLA Bruins is the veteran leadership of their Serbian forward, Angela Dugalić (Do-Guh-LEACH). Representing her family from Serbia has inspired her to give her all on the biggest stages in basketball. While representing her country, Dugalić’s presence on and off the floor has been a valued part of the Bruins’ success this season.

Many players lead their teams in different ways, and although her teammates like Gabriela Jacquez (JAH-kees) and Kiki Rice are more vocal, Dugalić leads by example. When reflecting on her leadership style, she mentioned how she does her best to let her example be the standard that her teammates will follow.

“My leadership is a different role than, for example, Kiki (Rice) and Gabby (Jacquez)’s leadership, and most of our other leaders are very vocal,” Dugalić said. “I’m more of a lead by example type of person, and I am doing my best setting the standard and hoping that others will follow.”

Every leader plays to their strengths to help their team succeed, and when she needs to, Dugalić lets her actions speak louder than her teammates’ words. Her teammates have greatly benefited from her leadership this season, but her selflessness is also equally valued in the team’s success.

UCLA head coach Cori Close commented on Dugalić’s growth as the season progressed, and highlighted her desire to help the team in more ways than her skills on the court.

“Angela (Dugalić) is one of the most skilled four players in the country, and she has been willing to be like ‘Hey, what does the team need from me’,” Close said. “We have this selfless team that cares about winning and making each other better, and Angela has been a key factor in that.”

Dugalić’s selflessness has been a vital part of UCLA’s journey to a national championship, along with her skill on the court. Her experience learning from Close and the rest of the staff has been beneficiary, but her time in the Olympics has also helped.

Dugalić represented Serbia in the Olympic Games on multiple occasions, most recently in the 2024 Paris Games. Reflecting on her experience, she emphasized her sense of pride and the higher level of basketball played than in college.

“Playing with the national team is a different level of pride and different level of basketball, and you’re playing against professional players,” Dugalić said. “I always have a lot of pride playing for my national team and it took me a couple of years for me to have that same sense of pride playing for UCLA.”

Although Dugalić wasn’t born in Serbia, she represents the country in any game she has played in. On the men’s side, Serbia is well represented by Denver Nuggets superstar and two-time NBA MVP, Nikola Jokic (ni·kuh·luh yow-kuhch). When asked about being the face of Serbian basketball like Jokic is for the men, Dugalić expressed how grateful she is, while also remaining focused on her job.

“I feel like I’m getting there slowly,” she said. “It’s a blessing. I just have to do my job in representing (Serbia) and playing with freedom on the court.”

Thanks in part to her Olympics experience and leadership, the Bruins have remained one of the best teams in the country. Their path to a national championship continues with their matchup against the Ole Miss Rebels in the Sweet 16 of the Spokane Regional 1. As UCLA continues its historic season, it will rely on everyone, especially the leadership of its Serbian forward.