For those just tuning into women’s college basketball: Gabriela Jaquez is the Latina upcoming star you need to know. The Mexican American guard just led UCLA to its women’s first-ever NCAA Final Four appearance, and she did it with poise, precision, and a clutch three-pointer that sent her team—and a fanbase—into celebration mode.

Gabriela Jaquez showed up when it mattered most

In a tense Elite Eight matchup against LSU, Gabriela Jaquez stepped up in the most crucial moments. According to the Los Angeles Times, with LSU closing the gap to just four points, Jaquez knocked down two free throws and then drilled a dagger three-pointer with 1:29 remaining, pushing UCLA’s lead to nine.

According to UCLA Athletics, she finished the game with 18 points, eight rebounds, and three steals, shooting 5-of-7 from the field and 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. Her calm under pressure helped seal the Bruins’ 72-65 win over the Tigers and punched their ticket to the Final Four for the first time in the NCAA era.

“I just don’t even have words, just so proud,” Jaquez told reporters after the game. “Everyone came to UCLA for this reason, to do something we haven’t done in a really long time or in the NCAA era.”

From UCLA legacy to star in her own right

Gabriela isn’t the first Jaquez to make Final Four history. Her older brother, Jaime Jaquez Jr., led the UCLA men’s team to the Final Four in 2021 and now plays for the Miami Heat. But Gabriela is carving out her own legacy. The two overlapped at UCLA during the 2022–23 season, and she said that watching her brother compete at that level inspired her even more.

“I was at my brother’s game [in 2021],” she said. “Just enhancing on this college level made me want to do the same even more.”

According to USA Today, Gabriela has averaged 9.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game on 53% shooting this season. Against LSU, she reminded everyone why she’s a critical piece of this team.

How UCLA rallied behind Jaquez to take down LSU

The Elite Eight rematch against LSU came with high stakes—and history. Just last year, LSU knocked UCLA out of the tournament. But this time, the Bruins were ready.

Lauren Betts found herself in foul trouble early, sitting the entire second quarter. That’s when Jaquez, along with teammate Timea Gardiner, took over. According to ESPN, UCLA hit 10 threes in the game, with Jaquez and Gardiner combining for nine of them.

“The game was won in the poise and the choice to go back to neutral, get ourselves refocused, and make the next right step,” said head coach Cori Close. “That’s where I think the game was won.”

Betts still finished with 17 points, but it was Jaquez’s three-pointer in the final 90 seconds that sealed the win. As Yahoo! Sports noted, UCLA went on a late field goal drought, and Jaquez’s shot broke that momentum just in time.

Gabriela Jaquez is carrying a cultural legacy, too

Jaquez’s standout performance isn’t just about stats—it’s also about representation. As a proud Mexican American player, her rise is a win for visibility in a sport where Latinas are still underrepresented.

She’s spoken in the past about the importance of her roots, and her entire family shares a love for basketball. Both of her parents played the sport at Concordia University, and her heritage plays a big role in who she is on and off the court.

With her performance against LSU, Jaquez didn’t just help her team make history—she cemented herself as one of the key figures shaping the future of women’s basketball.

What’s next for Gabriela Jaquez and UCLA?

Now, UCLA is Final Four bound. The Bruins (34–2) will face the winner of the UConn-USC matchup on Friday, April 4, in Tampa. Regardless of the opponent, the spotlight is now firmly on Gabriela Jaquez.

She’s proven she can lead in high-stakes games, and her confidence is contagious. As she said, “I’m just super proud of my team and I’m really excited.”

So are we, Gabriela.

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