CHICAGO (WLS) — At just 22 years old, Gabriela Jaquez is already carrying significant expectations.
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The Chicago Sky rookie entered the WNBA as the team’s top draft pick, and is one of only a handful of Mexican American players in the league. Along with the pressure of performing on the court comes the opportunity to represent both her heritage and a growing fan base that sees itself reflected in her success.
“I just take a lot of pride in that, not only to represent the Mexican community, but also the Latino community,” Jaquez said. “I really feel the support, and I am forever grateful for them.”
Her grandparents are originally from Mexico, but that they met in California.
Jaquez was born in California and comes from a family deeply rooted in basketball.
She also played in the past for the Mexican national basketball team.
Both of her parents played college basketball, and athletic success runs throughout the family.
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Her older brother, Jaime Jaquez Jr., plays in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks after a standout career at University of California, Los Angeles. Her younger brother also played competitively before an injury ended his career. Growing up alongside her brothers helped shape Jaquez’s competitive spirit.
“Being the only girl, I was ultra competitive with them because I had to work harder and compete, especially with my older brother,” she said.
Jaquez continued that success at UCLA, helping lead the Bruins to a national championship during her final collegiate season before making the jump to the WNBA.
Since arriving in Chicago, she says life has been a whirlwind. While focusing on her rookie season, Jaquez has also taken time to learn more about the city she now calls home, including a visit to the Pilsen neighborhood, which has long been a center of Chicago’s Mexican American community.
She hopes to become more involved in the community as her schedule allows and says giving back is important to her.
“I didn’t realize that I would be able to represent or inspire as many people as I have,” Jaquez said. “And I’m thankful when people tell me how much seeing me play basketball means to them and inspires them.”
As the Chicago Sky continues to build for the future, Jaquez hopes to be a cornerstone of that growth, both on the court and in the community.
The rookie believes the organization has a bright future ahead and looks forward to deepening her connection with Chicago in the years to come.
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