The UCLA softball team has added women’s basketball player Gabriela Jaquez to its roster ahead of this weekend’s NCAA Los Angeles Regional.
“We are excited to welcome Gabriela Jaquez into our Bruin Softball Family! Gabriela is a fierce competitor and will add to the depth and versatility of our running game this postseason,” softball coach Kelly Inouye-Perez said in a statement released by UCLA Athletics. “As a standout student-athlete on the UCLA women’s basketball team, Gabriela recognizes and upholds our strong Bruin values.”
UCLA softball did not offer any further comment or interviews as the team prepares for the NCAA tournament.
Jaquez was a dual-sport athlete at Camarillo High School, playing third base her freshman, junior and senior years, and was named a 2022 All-Coastal Canyon League second-team player her senior season.
She hit .244 that year with 10 hits, eight RBIs and one home run in addition to going 2 for 2 on stolen base attempts.
Jaquez became known for her grittiness and ability to provide a spark off the bench in her sophomore season with the basketball team and started six games.
She averaged 10 points and 5.6 rebounds per game along with 22 steals and would do whatever it took for the team – and apparently, that’s true for the softball team, too.
“Gabriela has always been a passionate softball player. I remember going to our NCAA tournament games and Gabs was there as a high school senior, so this has been such a cool passion for her,” women’s basketball coach Cori Close said in an official comment.
“I’m thrilled! You know, if she can help our team and she can be a part of that – and it doesn’t take anything away from what she’s doing from a basketball perspective – so why not? Let her pursue her passion, let her help our amazing softball program, and I can’t wait to cheer her on!”
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UCLA softball is the No. 6 national seed as it begins the NCAA tournament this weekend and will host the Los Angeles Regional, which begins on Friday. Virginia Tech, San Diego State and Grand Canyon will also be competing in the regional.
The Bruins open their 39th tournament appearance at 5:30 p.m. Friday against Grand Canyon.
