Gabriela Jaquez leads UCLA women hoops to first NCAA national title
-
Staff Reports, Staff reports
- April 5, 2026
Gabriela Jaquez secures title with double-double
Fittingly, Gabriela Jaquez had a double-double while leading UCLA to its first women’s national basketball title. Five years after her brother Jaime Jaquez Jr. led the UCLA men to the Men’s Final Four and one year after her season ended at the Women’s Final Four, Gabriela Jaquez finished her college career on top.
Known early on as Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s little sister, Gabriela cemented her legacy with one of the greatest performances in the history of UCLA women’s basketball.
The Jaquez siblings are arguably the best double-double in UCLA’s rich sports history. Gabriela Jaquez played so well in the 79-51 rout over South Carolina on Sunday afternoon, UCLA All-American center Lauren Betts seemed shocked when Betts was named the Most Outstanding Player of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament.
Jaquez scored a game-high 21 points with 10 rebounds and five assists while playing tenacious defense in the National Championship.
Family bragging rights
“Of course I have bragging rights,” Jaquez said. “I’m a champion now. … Yeah, I think just really appreciate his support. I think the impact he had on me is just really inspiring.
“I think just growing up watching him compete all the time, I guess we kind of played similarly. But that just comes from watching him, always supporting him. I would always go to his game because I just love watching him and supporting him.”
More from Our Esquina
UCLA star Gabriela Jaquez exudes confidence, style
UCLA’s Jaime Jáquez Jr. Follows Family’s Legacy of Success
Oklahoma phenom Aaliyah Chavez shines on way to NCAA Tournament
One day after scoring 32 points for the Miami Heat, Jaime Jr. was in attendance at Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix to watch his youngest sister. He was joined by his parents Jaime Sr. and Angela and younger brother Marcos.
Gabriela also had several aunts, uncles and cousins in attendance.
“I just really appreciate all their support being here,” she said. “I’m really thankful that my older brother Jaime made the flight over here to support not only me but this whole team. He’s really passionate about UCLA and our team. He has a lot of confidence in us, always supporting us.
“I know it meant a lot to him as well. Not only him, but my whole entire family. Senior Night was emotional for all of us because they’ve been all going to Pauley Pavilion for so many years. To finish out my career here at UCLA with a national championship really does mean everything.
The 6-foot-7 Betts added 14 points and 11 rebounds with two blocks. Senior guard Gianna Kneepkens added 15 points.
Kiki Rice, who has been Jaquez’s roommate since they were freshmen, added 10 points.
Childhood dream fulfilled
“Yeah, I think right from the beginning, right when we all got on campus, we knew that this group was going to be special,” Rice said. “You could just feel the energy. We’ve been a part of a lot of basketball teams.
“I think you know when you have that competitive DNA in you. We get after it and compete at a high level, but we also love each other. That was the culture we created from day one, the culture that everyone was so willing to buy into.”
Jaquez bought into the UCLA culture long before she enrolled. She dreamed of playing for the Bruins as a child. That desire only grew as she saw her brother play at UCLA for four years before graduating and heading to the NBA.
She finished her career with one title, two trips to the Final Four and a lifetime of memories.
“Yeah, I think just the joy we have and the love we have for each other has really motivated us this whole season because we just want to do it for each other,” she said. “That just made it so special, and why we’ve been so successful this whole season.”
Staff Reports
Staff reports
Stay in the Loop
Get the Our Esquina Email Newsletter
By submitting your email, you are agreeing to receive additional communications and exclusive content from Our Esquina. You can unsubscribe at any time.