History in the Making: Gabriela Jaquez and UCLA Secure First Women’s NCAA National Championship
For 48 years, the UCLA women’s basketball program chased a milestone that had remained stubbornly out of reach. That wait ended in emphatic fashion this past weekend as the Bruins captured their first-ever NCAA national championship, dismantling South Carolina in a blowout victory that will be remembered as a turning point for the university’s athletic legacy.
At the center of this historic run was Gabriela Jaquez, a guard whose poise and versatility proved essential to the Bruins’ ascent. For Jaquez, the victory was more than a collegiate achievement; it was the culmination of a journey that bridged her identity as a Mexican national team player with her role as a cornerstone of one of the most dominant collegiate teams in recent memory.
A Dominant Finale
The championship game was not the nail-biter many expected. Instead, UCLA delivered a rout of the South Carolina Gamecocks, a program that had been a powerhouse since 2017. The Bruins controlled the tempo from the opening tip, punctuating the blowout with a series of high-energy plays that left the Gamecocks searching for answers.
Jaquez was a catalyst throughout the contest. From stripping the ball for fast-break scores to fighting for offensive rebounds and drawing fouls, her activity level mirrored the intensity of a team that refused to let the moment slip. The victory marks the first time in program history that the Bruins have stood atop the NCAA mountain, a feat achieved through a blend of six seniors and four key transfers.
Head coach Cori Close, who led the team through this “magical campaign,” noted after the game that the victory was achieved “our way,” emphasizing a commitment to the team’s specific identity and tactical approach.
The Mexican Connection and a Family Legacy
Even as the championship belongs to the team, Jaquez’s personal narrative adds a layer of international significance to the win. As a member of the Mexican national team, Jaquez has spoken about her desire to inspire young girls in Mexico, using her platform in the U.S. Collegiate system to pave the way for future generations of Mexican athletes.
The victory also creates a rare and remarkable family milestone. Gabriela’s brother, Jaime Jaquez Jr., is already a established presence in professional sports. A fellow UCLA product, Jaime is currently in his third season with the Miami Heat in the NBA, where he is currently a contender for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
With Gabriela now projected as a first-round pick in the upcoming WNBA draft, the siblings are on the verge of becoming one of the few pairs of siblings in history to play simultaneously in the NBA and WNBA.
The End of an Era: The Core Trio
The championship serves as a fitting farewell for a trio of players who defined this era of Bruins basketball. Jaquez, alongside Kiki Rice and Lauren Betts, entered the final game knowing it would be their last appearance in a UCLA uniform. The chemistry between these three was the engine of the team’s success, combining Rice’s perimeter scoring—highlighted by a smooth step-back triple to close the first quarter of the final—with Betts’ interior presence and Jaquez’s all-around playmaking.
For these athletes, the transition from collegiate stars to professionals is immediate. All three are expected to enter the WNBA draft, transitioning from the pressure of the Final Four to the rigors of the professional league.
Key Takeaways from UCLA’s Championship Run
- Historic First: UCLA won its first NCAA women’s basketball national title in 48 years of program history.
- The Victory: The Bruins secured the title via a rout of South Carolina.
- International Impact: Mexican national team player Gabriela Jaquez was a central figure in the victory.
- Professional Transition: Core players Gabriela Jaquez, Kiki Rice, and Lauren Betts are heading to the WNBA draft, with Jaquez projected as a first-round selection.
- Family Milestone: Gabriela and her brother, Jaime Jaquez Jr. (Miami Heat), are poised to play in the WNBA and NBA simultaneously.
What’s Next for the Bruins
As the celebration in Los Angeles continues, the focus shifts toward the professional ranks. The sports world will now look toward the WNBA draft to see where Jaquez, Rice, and Betts land, and whether Gabriela will realize her projection as a top-tier first-round pick.
For the program, the “magic” of this season provides a blueprint for future recruiting and success. Coach Cori Close has transformed the Bruins into a national powerhouse, and the 2026 title serves as a permanent marker of that evolution.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the departing seniors will be the WNBA draft, where the transition from collegiate history to professional competition officially begins.
Do you reckon Gabriela Jaquez will be a top-5 pick in the WNBA draft? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
