Gabriela Jaquez added new stamps to her passport, commencing a new era of her basketball career this summer.
UCLA women’s basketball’s junior guard etched her presence on the international stage, representing Mexico at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2026 pre-qualifying tournament. Held in Mexico City from Aug. 19 to Aug. 25, the tournament was Jaquez’s first international competition.
“It was an honor to play for a country like Mexico, and to get that experience to play international basketball against other women will really help me prepare for this upcoming season,” Jaquez said. “My dad even told me when he was there watching that there were other fans that shed some tears, just because they were just so proud.”
Throughout her time with Team Mexico at the tournament, Jaquez averaged 21.8 points, 7.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game. Her standout performance played a pivotal role in leading the team to the semifinal.
Coach Cori Close has routinely praised Jaquez’s development over her collegiate career and wasn’t surprised by the guard’s success.
“She’s really evolving into being a leader, and last year, she really emerged for us in terms of finding her own voice and becoming a confident contributor on that front,” Close said. “She’s finding out … how she influences most effectively, and that’s been really fun to watch.”
Jaquez’s selection to represent Mexico came on the heels of a sophomore season in Westwood where she averaged 10 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game – despite often coming off the bench.
Her breakout performance came Nov. 12 against Bellarmine when she notched her first 30-point game in her career, adding 12 rebounds to secure a double-double. Over the 2023-2024 season, Jaquez recorded three double-doubles and set career highs in points, rebounds, assists and 3-pointers.
Jaquez’s contributions on both ends of the floor showcased her capacity to excel on the international stage. Throughout her stint in Mexico City, Jaquez added both speed and depth to the Mexican arsenal, spearheading the team to the semifinal, despite an eventual loss to the Czech Republic.
“The fact that we won two games was unexpected to outsiders with the rankings and everything. We weren’t really supposed to win any game,” Jaquez said. “The fact that we made it to the semifinals really says a lot about our hard work and determination.”
The experience of playing in the FIBA pre-qualifying tournament served as an important part of Jaquez’s development, Close said.
“The thing about FIBA is it’s a very physical game, so you are forced to play at a much higher level of physicality, and I think that that’s going to really help Gabriela,” Close said. “She’s able to raise her aggression level, and whenever you’re the aggressor, usually you make more plays.”
Before performing under an international spotlight, Jaquez joined UCLA softball for its postseason run. Since leaving the basketball courts March 30 in the Bruins’ loss to LSU in the Sweet Sixteen, Jaquez has toiled through a crowded offseason slate.
Jaquez’s time with Team Mexico provided an invaluable experience, as she is poised to be one of the biggest faces of the Bruins next year. With international games under her belt, Jaquez said the opportunity gave her extra room to grow and get reps through the summer.
“I had the ball in my hands more playing for Team Mexico, and I think that helped with my ball handling when I drove to the basket,” Jaquez said.
With an opportunity to further develop her game, Jaquez represented her family’s heritage, an important pillar of her character.
“The most important thing, from my perspective, is the pride she felt in competing for her country,” Close said. “It was just so fun to see her passion, and just being able to represent Team Mexico is such an honor for her.”
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