UCLA Bruins Dominate: Undefeated and Aiming Higher

UCLA Bruins Reign Supreme: Undefeated Streak Fuels Championship Aspirations

The UCLA Bruins are not just winning; they are dominating. With an undefeated record in the Big Ten conference, this year’s squad is etching its name in the annals of UCLA basketball history. Guard Gabriela Jaquez, a pivotal player for the Bruins, reflects on the team’s remarkable journey, acknowledging the immense pressure and expectation that comes with being part of potentially the greatest UCLA team ever assembled.

From Heartbreak to Hardwood Happiness

Last season ended with a painful sting in the Final Four, a regional championship that, while a monumental achievement for most programs, felt like a missed opportunity for the Bruins. “Last year was a big year for us for sure,” Jaquez shared, “a lot of talk being like we’re the best team you know in UCLA history.” However, the abrupt end left a void. “We ended pretty poorly and that was sad,” she admitted. This year, the narrative is different. “We’re even better than last year, that’s our belief,” Jaquez stated with conviction. The team is focused on enjoying the present moment while understanding the season is far from over. “We still have much more basketball to play and not get complacent in what we have done but continuing to strive for more.”

Coach Cori Close has emphasized reimagining joy within the game, especially after the sting of last year’s exit. “We definitely took that to heart and really really learned from it,” Jaquez explained. “So this year, just for the people that were there and our coaching staff, everyone, we just want to learn from that experience and be thankful for that experience to help us this year.” The result is a team playing with an infectious energy. “Really just trying to play with a lot of joy in this group this year has just had so much fun playing together. We’re really close friends. Like we’re really close team and we’re always hanging out.” The camaraderie extends beyond the court, with the team embracing the sunny Los Angeles weather. “It’s been pretty hot here in LA and so we’ve been tanning at the pool and it’s kind of been like a spring break.”

Beyond the Court: A Multi-Talented Bruin

Jaquez is more than just a basketball phenom; she’s a dedicated student and a surprisingly talented dancer. Balancing academics and athletics as a dual-sport athlete in 2024 is no small feat. “The books are busy. Okay. How do you even plan for that?” she quipped. When asked about her other talents, Jaquez revealed a passion for dance. “I like to dance a lot actually.” She even performed with the UCLA dance team on their senior night alongside teammates Charlissa and Lauren, an experience she described as “super fun.”

The impromptu dance performance stemmed from a social media challenge. “Me and Lauren have been trying to dance with the dance team or just like do a learn a little dance and we’ve just never got around to it. But Charliss made a YouTube video saying if we get a thousand likes, we’ll dance with the dance team. And so it came true.” The event was a cherished memory, supported by her family and the enthusiastic dance team. “The dance team was super amazing and all my family was there to support me.”

Manifesting Greatness: From Childhood Dream to Reality

Jaquez’s journey to UCLA seems almost preordained. At the age of eight, she wrote down her aspiration to become a UCLA Bruin. “Yeah, and like it’s always I’m always say like third grade because I really don’t remember,” she laughed, before conceding, “WE’LL GO WITH EIGHT.” Growing up in Los Angeles, the allure of UCLA was strong, influenced by her father’s admiration for John Wooden and her childhood fascination with the men’s team. “I think just growing up I always just leaned toward UCLA. my dad, you know, like John Wooden a lot and I always was watching like UCLA men’s on TV and I don’t know, I just just was more inclined to UCLA. I loved Blue and I love the colors. I just, you know, heard about the campus and so I just kind of was like, I want to go to UCLA.”

Her determination was evident even then. “I know it’s a really good academic school as well. And so I’m definitely the type like if I want something, I’m going to work for it and go get it.” The discovery of this childhood note in a garage filing cabinet brought tears to her eyes. “Me and my mom were looking in our garage in one of the filing cabinets. And I take this out. I’m like, ‘What the heck? You saved this? Like that’s crazy.’ And so honestly, it brought a tear to our eyes just because we’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, like this is like the proof of like what I said cuz you know, so yeah, it was really really cool that we found that and super cool that I wrote it down and could look back on that.”

Looking Ahead: The Road to the Championship

Jaquez’s connection with her teammates is palpable, as evidenced by her message to Lauren Betts after a recent performance: “I can’t get over how objectively great was that was.” The sentiment is echoed by observers, who praise the team’s skill and execution. “And as a former pro, I’m like, ‘Oh, you have all the details mastered.'” The Bruins’ blend of talent, chemistry, and unwavering focus positions them as formidable contenders. With an undefeated conference record and a clear vision for success, UCLA is not just playing basketball; they are building a legacy, one dominant performance at a time.

Source: Gabriela Jaquez Talks UCLA, Legacy & March Madness 🔥 (YouTube)