Gabriela Jaquez is set to make her mark in the WNBA after being drafted fifth overall by the Chicago Sky during the 2026 WNBA Draft, a significant milestone following her recent victory in the NCAA women’s basketball championship with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Jaquez shared her excitement about joining the professional league and her aspirations for combining sports with her unique sense of fashion. The 22-year-old athlete expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to showcase her “confident” personal style on and off the court, indicating a partnership with JCPenney’s Inside Lane where fans can shop her game day outfits.
Describing her fashion aesthetic, Jaquez characterised her style as “elevated” yet straightforward, noting that she prefers appealing looks without being overly extravagant. “I definitely like to put things together, but not too much. I just like to dress very confidently,” she remarked, mentioning that her experience growing up in Southern California, often shopping at JCPenney with her mother, helped shape her sartorial choices. Her mother, Angela, played basketball at Concordia University and influenced Jaquez’s love for the sport.
When it comes to wardrobe essentials, Jaquez highlighted the significance of a reliable black or white tank top, which she considers her “go-to style piece.” The versatility of these items allows for both casual and elevated outfits, and they have become staples in her travel attire. “Whenever I travel, I always will pack a black or white tank top,” she explained, emphasising the practicality of her fashion choices.
At 6’0″, Jaquez candidly admitted that finding properly fitting clothes can be challenging. However, she praised JCPenney for catering to her needs, particularly when it comes to denim. “When I’m wearing denim, I like to make sure it fits me correctly, because being a tall girl, it’s sometimes hard to find,” she said, assuring her fans that the retailer has been advantageous in this regard.
Jaquez acknowledged the unexpected role of being a role model for younger generations, especially young girls who look up to her. “To have little girls look up to me just really means everything,” she stated earnestly, reflecting on the responsibilities that accompany her athletic career. “You don’t really realise when you’re playing basketball that that’s going to happen. For me, I’m playing on having fun, and then [being a role model] is a great addition.”
In her new collaboration with JCPenney, Jaquez is excited about the prospect of sharing her style with fans while making it accessible to a broader audience. “A lot of people ask me like, ‘Oh, where did you get those clothes?'” she noted. “Just to have something super accessible and convenient for my fans is really fun.”
As Jaquez looks back on her journey through college basketball, she reflects fondly on her time at UCLA. She expressed her appreciation for the memories created during her collegiate years, especially as her brother, Jaime Jaquez Jr., is also making waves in the NBA. “I think memories were created there for life, and they’ll always be the best memories,” said Jaquez, highlighting the lasting impact of her college experience.
As fans eagerly await her rookie season with the Chicago Sky, Jaquez is poised to not only contribute to her team but also inspire countless others through her achievements in both basketball and fashion. With her dynamic presence in the sport and her relatable style, Gabriela Jaquez is ready to leave her mark in the WNBA and beyond.