UCLA Bruins Forward Gabriela Jaquez in Phoenix
- The UCLA Bruins women's basketball team won their first Division I national title in program history on April 5, 2026, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in a 79-51...
- The championship game was characterized as a dominant performance by the Bruins, which included a blowout victory over the perennial power South Carolina.
- Gabriela Jaquez played a pivotal role in the championship victory, recording the most impressive stat line of the contest.
The UCLA Bruins women’s basketball team won their first Division I national title in program history on April 5, 2026, defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks in a 79-51 victory at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
The championship game was characterized as a dominant performance by the Bruins, which included a blowout victory over the perennial power South Carolina. The win fulfilled a lifelong goal for forward Gabriela Jaquez, who had aspired since childhood to play for UCLA and win a national championship.
The Impact of Gabriela Jaquez
Gabriela Jaquez played a pivotal role in the championship victory, recording the most impressive stat line of the contest. While the Bruins typically rely on Lauren Betts for rebounding, Jaquez played with an intensity that allowed her to secure 10 rebounds during the game, finishing only one rebound behind Betts.
The performance drew praise from WNBA star Caitlin Clark, who described Jaquez’s play as going crazy
. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley described Jaquez as relentless
during the matchup.
UCLA coach Cori Close had previously sought uncommon, courageous women
for her program, a description applied to Jaquez following her performance in the final.
Family Legacy and Support
The victory established a significant athletic legacy for the Jaquez family at UCLA. Gabriela’s brother, Jaime Jaquez Jr., a forward for the Miami Heat, traveled to Phoenix to support her in the title game.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. Had previously contributed to the university’s athletic success by helping the UCLA men’s team reach the Final Four. Following the victory, he stated that his sister was living her dream
.
The road to the championship included a semifinal victory on April 3, 2026, where UCLA defeated Texas in Phoenix to secure their place in the national title game.
Team Contributions and Coaching
While Jaquez’s individual statistics were highlighted, the program’s success was attributed to a collective team effort. This included the contributions of every player on the roster, the guidance of coach Cori Close, and support from social media.
The championship victory marks the first time the UCLA women’s basketball program has secured a Division I national title.