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Who Is Gabriela Jaquez? Meet the UCLA Star Trending After the NCAA Title Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Kevin Matthew Borba | Last updated Apr 5, 2026 6:51 PM ET

For the first time in program history, the No. 1 seed UCLA Bruins won the women's NCAA Tournament title on Sunday. The Bruins trounced Dawn Staley's No. 1 South Carolina Gamecocks, winning 79-51 in a game that was never really close.

The win marked the third-largest margin of victory in a women's championship final at the Division I level, and it was a masterclass that saw the Bruins trail for a total of zero seconds. Much of the team's success on Sunday came via senior guard Gabriela Jaquez.

She had the hot hand in this one, pouring in a game-high 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting from the field, while also grabbing 10 boards. Although center Lauren Betts was named the Most Outstanding Player, Jaquez's success and energy fueled them all game long. She also made a bit of history as shared to X by ESPN's Alex Philippou.

Have yourself a day, Gabriela Jaquez. Jaquez is the fifth player all-time to have 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a national championship game, joining Sarah Strong, Breanna Stewart, Chamique Holdsclaw and Dawn Staley.
— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) April 5, 2026

Who is UCLA's Gabriela Jaquez UCLA?

UCLA Bruins forward Gabriela Jaquez (11) celebrates with her brother Miami Heat player Jaime Jaquez Jr.Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

While some fans may not have been too familiar with Jaquez, she has quite a story. The second-team All-Big Ten selection is the younger sister of Miami Heat star Jaime Jaquez, who also played his college basketball in Westwood, where he was an All-American.

Jaquez attended Adolfo Camarillo High School, where she was also a softball standout. Her parents, Angela and Jaime Jaquez, played basketball at Concordia University. Aside from her impressive career at UCLA, which has seen her become the winningest player in program history, Jaquez also joined the school's softball team in 2024.

Although Bruins fans will be sad to see her go, she is expected to continue her success at the next level, as CBS Sports' Jack Maloney had Jaquez slated to go No. 12 overall in this year's WNBA Draft.

Needless to say, she had quite the career, and will forever be remembered at UCLA for all she accomplished.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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