UCLA forward Gabriela Jaquez delivered an outstanding performance for the Mexican national team at the 2024 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup, showcasing her exceptional skills on an international stage. On Thursday, Jaquez led Mexico to a 71-64 victory over New Zealand with an impressive stat line of 22 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block. This crucial win secured Mexico a spot in the semifinals as they continue their quest to qualify for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Jaquez’s stellar performance didn’t stop there. In a closely contested match against Montenegro, she contributed 26 points and 8 rebounds. Despite Mexico’s 74-71 loss to Montenegro, Jaquez’s efforts were instrumental in keeping the game competitive. The tournament is taking place at the historic Gimnasio Olímpico Juan de la Barrera in Mexico, providing a significant platform for Jaquez to showcase her talent.
Back at UCLA, Jaquez is a fan favorite and a rising star. Last season, she averaged 10 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game for the Bruins. Her impact on the court has made her a key player at Pauley Pavilion, and her performance in the FIBA World Cup has only solidified her reputation as a top athlete.
In addition to her basketball achievements, Jaquez is a multi-sport athlete. This past May, she joined the UCLA softball team as a pinch runner. Despite not having played softball since her senior year at Camarillo High, Jaquez made a significant impact by adding speed and depth to the lineup during the NCAA tournament. Her versatility and willingness to contribute in any role highlight her dedication and team spirit.
Jaquez’s transition to softball marked her second deep playoff run in just three months. Although she played a smaller role on the softball team, her contributions were valuable, and she took pride in supporting her teammates from the dugout.
UCLA softball head coach Kelly Inouye-Perez praised Jaquez’s seamless integration into the team, noting her humility and team-oriented mindset. “For a superstar like Gabs to be able to come into a program like ours and fit in seamlessly shows me she’s not an ego person,” Inouye-Perez said. “It’s not about her, it’s not about anything more than she just wants to help UCLA softball.”
Jaquez’s dedication to both basketball and softball exemplifies her commitment to excellence and her unwavering support for her teams. As she continues to shine on the international stage with Mexico, fans and coaches alike are eager to see what the future holds for this remarkable athlete.
