**Tennessee’s Janiah Barker’s Handshake Incident with UCLA’s Coach**
**Meta Description:** Janiah Barker’s handshake moment with UCLA’s coach after a game raises eyebrows, but both parties express goodwill towards each other.
**URL Slug:** janiah-barker-handshake-ucla-coach
**Tennessee’s Janiah Barker’s Handshake Incident with UCLA’s Coach**
In a recent matchup, Tennessee Lady Volunteers forward Janiah Barker experienced a notable moment during the post-game handshake line with UCLA Bruins head coach Cori Close. The incident occurred after the No. 14 Lady Vols faced off against the No. 3 Bruins, resulting in a 99-77 victory for UCLA.
Barker, who led her team with an impressive 25 points in just 27 minutes of play, was seen pulling her hand away from Close during the handshake, which sparked discussions among fans and commentators. Close, seemingly unfazed, shrugged off the moment as the players exchanged gestures of sportsmanship.
Barker’s journey has been marked by her transfer from UCLA to Tennessee after just one season in Southern California, where she played 36 games and averaged 7.4 points and 6 rebounds per game. Following the game, she took to social media to clarify that there were no hard feelings towards Close, expressing her respect and well wishes for the coach and her former team.
“Respect! We shook hands. I wish nothing but the best for Coach (Cori) and my UCLA fam,” Barker posted on X, emphasizing her positive sentiments.
Cori Close echoed Barker’s goodwill, stating, “Outside of this game, I want to wish Janiah Barker nothing but the best. I think she is a spectacular player, and I just want to make sure that I say I wish her nothing but the best the rest of the way through.”
As the season progresses, UCLA improved to an 8-1 record, while Tennessee fell to 5-2. The incident in the handshake line appears to be an isolated moment, overshadowed by the mutual respect both players and coaches have for one another.
**FAQ**
**What happened during the handshake between Janiah Barker and Cori Close?**
During the post-game handshake, Janiah Barker pulled her hand away from UCLA’s coach Cori Close, which led to speculation. However, both parties later expressed goodwill towards each other.