Key Highlights:
As the 2025 NCAA Women’s Final Four nears, Gabriela Jaquez is making waves with UCLA, continuing her push for a place in history. Jaquez, who has been a key player for the Bruins all season, is now preparing for the biggest test of her college basketball career against the 11-time national champion UConn.
The Jaquez Family Legacy
Gabriela Jaquez isn’t the only member of her family to leave an indelible mark in the basketball world. Her older brother, Jaime Jaquez Jr., now playing for the Miami Heat, has made his own name in the NBA. Their success in basketball is part of a broader family legacy that stretches back generations.
Her father, Jaime Jaquez Sr., was a college player, and her mother, Angela Sather, was also a standout athlete, setting records in her time. Angela’s legacy includes an attempt to join the WNBA, with her college achievements still remembered. Gabriela often hears from her mother’s old teammates that her playing style resembles that of her mother, a compliment that Gabriela cherishes.
With her brother and her strong family ties to the game, Gabriela Jaquez is now on the verge of joining an elite club. Should she make a WNBA roster, she and Jaime would become just the seventh sibling duo to both make it to the professional basketball league. What’s more, they would be the first brother-sister duo of Mexican heritage to do so.
Historic UCLA Women’s Basketball Journey
This season, Gabriela Jaquez has played an instrumental role in UCLA’s incredible march to the Final Four, and it’s her dynamic contributions that have been pivotal in propelling the team forward. Jaquez scored a game-high 18 points in the Bruins’ Elite Eight win against LSU, leading her team to this historic Final Four appearance.
But Jaquez isn’t just focused on her personal achievements. She has embraced the team-first mentality alongside teammates like Lauren Betts and Kiki Rice, who have also been outstanding. UCLA (34-2) entered this season with 23 consecutive victories and is now on a record-breaking journey. The Bruins have surpassed their previous best, marking a historic run that includes Big Ten and March Madness victories.
Looking Ahead: UCLA vs. UConn
While Gabriela Jaquez and her teammates have already made history with their incredible run, the Final Four match against UConn remains the biggest hurdle. UConn, under the leadership of star Paige Bueckers, is a formidable opponent, but Jaquez is ready for the challenge.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity to face great players and well-coached teams,” Gabriela Jaquez said, speaking about her upcoming clash with UConn. Jaquez has already faced several top-tier teams this season, including South Carolina and USC, which has prepared her well for this stage of the competition. But she knows the challenge of playing against UConn will be another level.
The Mexican National Team Experience
For Gabriela Jaquez, her summer experience with the Mexican national team was an important milestone. It not only provided her with an international platform but also connected her to her roots. “Playing for Team Mexico was such an amazing opportunity,” Jaquez said. “The way my teammates and coaches welcomed me meant a lot. To see the support from all the people who came to watch me in Mexico City was something special.”
Her journey with Mexico also includes AmeriCup aspirations in Santiago, Chile this summer, where she will continue her efforts to help Mexico qualify for the 2026 FIBA World Cup.
Coach of the Year and Naismith Defensive Player of the Year
On the other side of the UCLA roster, Cori Close has been named Coach of the Year, a testament to her leadership and vision. Under Close’s guidance, the team has thrived, with an incredible combination of experience and young talent.
Additionally, Lauren Betts, one of UCLA’s rising stars, earned the prestigious Naismith Defensive Player of the Year honor, further highlighting the team’s overall excellence. With Close leading the team and the exceptional talents of players like Jaquez and Betts, UCLA is poised to make a deep run for the national championship.
The Bigger Picture: Gabriela Jaquez’s Focus
As Gabriela Jaquez gears up for the final stretch of her college career, she remains focused on the team’s ultimate goal: a national title. While her individual success is remarkable, Jaquez’s focus remains on winning for her team, her university, and her family.
“I try to stay calm during games,” Jaquez said. “That’s when I’m at my best – not too high, not too low. I focus on playing my natural game, resetting after every play.”
With the Final Four approaching, Gabriela Jaquez has a chance to help UCLA accomplish something no team has done in over five decades: win a national title. If they succeed, it would be a crowning achievement for UCLA, a team that has faced numerous challenges and risen to the occasion.
Gabriela Jaquez has emerged as one of the most exciting players in women’s college basketball. With a legacy rooted in her Mexican heritage, a historic run at UCLA, and a chance to become the first sibling duo from a Mexican background to reach the WNBA and NBA, her story continues to unfold.
The journey is far from over. With the Final Four now on the horizon, Jaquez’s leadership will be key as UCLA takes on UConn for the national championship. Will the Bruins make history? The stage is set.
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