History was made for UCLA women's basketball on Monday night as two Bruins heard their names called back-to-back in the first round of the 2024 WNBA Draft. The Los Angeles Sparks kicked off the UCLA celebration by selecting dominant center Lauren Betts with the No. 4 overall pick, making her the first Bruin off the board.

The excitement for Westwood fans doubled just moments later when the Chicago Sky used the very next selection, the No. 5 overall pick, to grab versatile forward Gabriela Jaquez. This dynamic one-two punch from UCLA highlights the program's continued strength in developing elite professional talent.

The draft's top three picks set the stage for the Bruins' big moment. As expected, UConn's sharpshooting guard Azzi Fudd was selected first overall by the Dallas Wings, followed by Notre Dame's playmaking guard Olivia Miles going second to the Minnesota Lynx. Spanish league standout Awa Fam Thiam rounded out the top three, selected by the Seattle Storm.

For Betts and Jaquez, the draft marks the thrilling beginning of their professional journeys. Betts brings a formidable post presence to the Sparks, while Jaquez's all-around game and championship pedigree will be a major asset for the Sky. It was a landmark night for UCLA, proudly sending two of its stars to the pinnacle of women's basketball.