Jaime Jaquez Jr. Girlfriend: Dominique Ruotolo’s Love Story

The Miami Heat’s dynamic small forward, Jaime Jaquez Jr., has been turning heads not only for his basketball skills but also for his heartwarming romance with track and field star Dominique Ruotolo. As of August 6, 2025, Jaquez shared a delightful story on the Straight to Cam podcast about meeting Ruotolo during a lively celebration on the night he was drafted by the Miami Heat in 2023.

Their chance encounter, marked by a festive night in New York, a memorable Uber ride, and a reconnection in Los Angeles, has grown into a strong relationship. The couple has since appeared together at events like the 14th Annual Miami Heat Gala, and Ruotolo’s sweet birthday tribute to Jaquez on Instagram, describing him as the best human she’s ever met, has charmed fans. Let’s explore their bond, clear up past relationship confusion, and celebrate their journey as two athletes chasing their dreams together.

Who Is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Girlfriend?

Dominique Ruotolo, a 25-year-old track and field athlete, is Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s girlfriend. Born on April 19, 2000, in Aarau, Switzerland, to Frank and Aurelie Ruotolo, she grew up in a multicultural household, living in Switzerland, France, Cameroon, and Newport Beach, California. One of six siblings—Gianni, Francesco, Daniella, Frank, and Titan—she’s fluent in French and brings a global perspective to her life.

A standout at the University of Southern California (USC), Ruotolo specializes in triple jump, long jump, and high jump. Her athletic resume boasts a 2021 Pac-12 championship, a 2017 USA U20 bronze medal, and a 2022 All-American honor. She ranks sixth on USC’s all-time outdoor triple jump list and tenth indoors.

Beyond sports, she’s passionate about painting and studies Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change at USC, showcasing her commitment to making a difference.

The Night They Met: A Draft Night Story

The story of how Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Dominique Ruotolo met feels like it could be straight out of a romantic comedy. On the night of the 2023 NBA Draft, Jaquez was celebrating his selection by the Miami Heat at the 18th overall pick.

As he described on the Straight to Cam podcast, hosted by Cameron Brink, the night was a blur of excitement and tequila. In a crowded New York venue, he literally bumped into Ruotolo, sparking an instant connection. They hit it off, chatting and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Eager to keep the night going, Jaquez suggested grabbing pizza and called an Uber.

But the combination of loud music, bright lights, and too much tequila hit him hard in the car. Feeling unwell, he asked Ruotolo to help him get to his brother Justin’s place instead of continuing the night. Despite the awkward moment, Ruotolo handled it with kindness, ensuring he got home safely.

Three months passed without contact as both focused on their busy lives. But fate brought them back together in Los Angeles. Jaquez’s roommate reminded him about the girl from draft night who went to USC.

He reached out, inviting her to hang out with friends, and she showed up with her crew. The sparks flew again, this time without any mishaps, and their relationship took off. Jaquez credits Ruotolo’s forgiving nature for giving him a second chance after that less-than-stellar first impression, and their bond has only grown stronger since.

Public Appearances and Shared Moments

Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Dominique Ruotolo have embraced their relationship in the public eye, sharing moments that highlight their chemistry and support for each other. One of their first high-profile appearances was at the 14th Annual Miami Heat Gala, where Ruotolo joined Jaquez as his date, turning heads and charming fans.

Their appearance at rapper Offset’s birthday party in December 2023 also caught attention, marking one of their early public outings as a couple. On Instagram, they frequently share glimpses of their life together, from cozy date nights to fun vacations.

In June 2024, Jaquez posted photos of them dancing together, calling Ruotolo his dancing partner, which delighted followers. During a July 2024 trip to Spain, Ruotolo shared snaps of herself with a Louis Vuitton bag, and Jaquez’s enthusiastic comments showed his admiration for her style.

Ruotolo’s heartfelt Instagram post for Jaquez’s 24th birthday in February 2025 melted hearts. She called him her best friend and the best human she’s ever met, adding playful nicknames like Goldie Locks and Pooks.

Fans flooded the comments with support, praising their chemistry. Ruotolo’s mother, Aurelie, and Mexican women’s football player Destinee Noel Manzo also chimed in, reflecting the couple’s wide circle of admiration.

Another memorable moment came at a Mexico getaway in November 2024, where Ruotolo posted photos of them posing together, with Jaquez flexing his bicep and her flashing a peace sign. Their playful, supportive dynamic shines through in these shared moments, making them a beloved pair among fans.

Dominique Ruotolo: A Star in Her Own Right

While Dominique Ruotolo is known as Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s girlfriend, she’s a powerhouse in her own field. Her track and field career is impressive, with a personal best of 13.66 meters in the triple jump in 2021 and 6.24 meters in the long jump in 2022.

She’s also competed in the 100 meters and 60 meters, showcasing her versatility. After starting her collegiate career at the University of Oregon, where she held the second spot on the school’s all-time triple jump list, she transferred to USC. There, she earned All-American honors and qualified for the 2022 World Championships Trials and the 2021 Olympic Trials.

Her 2021 Pac-12 championship win and fifth-place finish at the 2023 Pac-12 conference highlight her competitive edge. Off the track, her partnership with Free People Movement and her curated Instagram aesthetic, with over 20,000 followers, have made her a rising influencer.

Ruotolo’s multicultural background adds depth to her story. Having lived in multiple countries, she brings a unique perspective to her athletic and academic pursuits. Her major in Non-Governmental Organizations and Social Change reflects her commitment to social impact, and her passion for painting reveals a creative side.

At the 2025 Miami Heat Gala, Ruotolo showed her knowledge of Jaquez’s career during a trivia game, correctly answering questions about his college, jersey number, and draft year, though she jokingly guessed his height as 5-foot-7 before correcting herself. Her confidence and humor shone through when asked who would win a one-on-one race, asserting she’d outrun Jaquez, a nod to her track prowess.

Clearing Up Past Relationship Confusion

Before dating Dominique Ruotolo, Jaime Jaquez Jr. was in a long-term relationship with Ciera Muscarella, a pole vaulter at Long Beach State University. The two started dating in 2016 during their time at Adolfo Camarillo High School and went public on Instagram in 2017. They shared many moments, from high school milestones to college adventures, and fans admired their bond. Muscarella, a business marketing major, achieved top-10 finishes in collegiate pole vaulting competitions.

However, by late 2023, Jaquez and Muscarella had parted ways, and he began dating Ruotolo. The transition sparked some confusion among fans, with some sources incorrectly linking Jaquez to Muscarella as recently as February 2024.

Another misconception involved Nikki Spoelstra, the ex-wife of Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra. Social media posts in 2025 suggested a connection between her and Jaquez, but Nikki firmly denied these claims, stating she had spoken with Jaquez’s mother and girlfriend to address the gossip.

Jaquez’s relationship with Ruotolo remains his current and confirmed romance, and the couple’s openness on social media has helped clarify his status.

Jaime Jaquez Jr.’s Career and Support System

At 24, Jaime Jaquez Jr. is a rising star in the NBA. Born on February 18, 2001, in Irvine, California, to parents Jaime Sr. and Angela Jaquez, he’s of Mexican and Norwegian descent. His family has a strong athletic legacy, with both parents playing college basketball at Concordia University.

Jaquez grew up in Camarillo, where he excelled at Camarillo High School, setting a school record with 2,653 career points. At UCLA, he became a standout, leading the Bruins to the 2021 Final Four and earning All-Pac-12 honors. Selected 18th overall by the Miami Heat in 2023, Jaquez had a stellar rookie season, averaging 11.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists, earning NBA All-Rookie First Team honors. His second season has been quieter, with 9.4 points per game, but his versatility and work ethic make him a key part of the Heat’s lineup.

Ruotolo has been a constant supporter, attending Jaquez’s games and cheering him on. Jaquez reciprocates, showing up at her track meets and social events. Their shared experience as collegiate athletes strengthens their bond, with Jaquez noting in an AXIOS Miami interview that his ideal day involves relaxing on a boat with Ruotolo.

Their playful rivalry over their alma maters—UCLA for Jaquez and USC for Ruotolo—adds a fun dynamic. On the Straight to Cam podcast, Jaquez humorously argued that UCLA outshines USC, citing its public school pride, while Ruotolo held her ground as a proud Trojan.

Their Competitive Spirit: UCLA vs. USC and More

The UCLA-USC rivalry isn’t just a sports thing for Jaquez and Ruotolo—it’s personal. Jaquez, a proud UCLA Bruin, and Ruotolo, a former USC Trojan, often tease each other about their schools. During the Straight to Cam podcast, Jaquez playfully claimed UCLA’s superiority, pointing to its public funding and first-generation student community, while taking a lighthearted jab at USC’s private school status.

Ruotolo, ever competitive, didn’t back down, showcasing the same spirit that makes her a track star. This banter extends to their athletic challenges, like when Ruotolo confidently claimed she’d beat Jaquez in a race at the 2025 Miami Heat Gala. Jaquez, who runs daily for basketball, thought he’d have the edge, but Ruotolo’s track credentials—her 13.66-meter triple jump and 6.24-meter long jump—suggest she’s a formidable opponent.

Their competitive yet supportive dynamic is a cornerstone of their relationship. Whether it’s Jaquez flexing his bicep in a Mexico getaway photo or Ruotolo nailing trivia about his career, they bring out the best in each other. Fans love their chemistry, with comments on Ruotolo’s Instagram posts praising their genuine connection and shared ambition.

Looking Ahead: A Power Couple in the Making

Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Dominique Ruotolo are more than just a couple—they’re a power duo with big dreams. Jaquez is focused on carving out a lasting role with the Miami Heat, despite trade buzz linking him to teams like Utah and Los Angeles.

His performance in the 2024 NBA All-Star Weekend, including the Rising Stars game and Slam Dunk Contest, showed his flair, even if his dunks over Shaquille O’Neal and tributes to his Mexican heritage didn’t win the judges. Ruotolo, meanwhile, aims to continue her track career, with Olympic aspirations and a growing influence in the athletic and social media worlds.

Their relationship thrives on mutual respect and shared experiences as athletes. From courtside support to trackside cheers, they balance demanding careers with a romance that feels authentic. Jaquez’s lighthearted admission on the Straight to Cam podcast that Ruotolo might have gotten the ick from his draft night antics, paired with his quick redemption, shows their ability to laugh and grow together. As they navigate the spotlight, their openness on social media and at events like the Miami Heat Gala keeps fans invested in their story.

Conclusion

Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Dominique Ruotolo’s love story is a refreshing blend of romance, humor, and mutual support. From a chance meeting on draft night to becoming a celebrated couple in the sports world, they’ve shown that love can thrive amidst busy careers and public attention.

By sharing their journey through Instagram posts and public appearances, they’ve invited fans to root for them both on and off the court. While past relationships like Jaquez’s with Ciera Muscarella and false rumors about Nikki Spoelstra have surfaced, the focus remains on his current happiness with Ruotolo.

As two athletes with bright futures, they’re building a legacy together, one heartfelt moment at a time. For the latest on their story, keep an eye on their Instagram accounts, where they continue to share their adventures.