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The WNBA playoffs are here and latinas are owning the moment
The 2025 WNBA Playoffs tip off September 14, and one thing is clear: Latinas aren’t just cheering from the sidelines, we’re driving this movement forward.
Last year alone, Latina women viewership for WNBA games surged by 96%, proving what we already knew: we’re showing up early, repping our teams with merch, and turning playoff games into full-blown cultural celebrations. And this year the league is meeting that momentum with its biggest postseason format yet: a best-of-three first round, a best-of-five semifinals, and for the first time ever, a best-of-seven Finals. The energy’s growing, and so is our place in the game.
While fans in the stands and online keep bringing the heat, representation on the court is following suit. One standout? Puerto Rican-American shooting guard Jazmon Gwathmey, an undeniable example of how Latinas are claiming space on the hardwood and inspiring the next generation in the process.
Jazmon Gwathmey: The Latina Star Holding Court
Jazmon Chameli Gwathmey, born January 24, 1993, in Bealeton, Virginia, brings a powerful blend of talent, experience, and pride to every game she plays. The Puerto Rican-American athlete stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and plays shooting guard, a position where her versatility shines.
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Growing up in Virginia, Gwathmey sharpened her game at Liberty High School before committing to James Madison University (JMU), where she became a college basketball force. Her college career (2012–2016) was nothing short of historic:
- 1,555 career points (8th all-time at JMU)
- 173 blocks (2nd all-time)
- 737 rebounds (14th all-time)
- 136 games played with 120 starts (4th in school history)
She made history as a three-time Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) Player of the Year and earned CAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player three years straight.
Gwathmey was selected 14th overall in the 2016 WNBA Draft by the Minnesota Lynx and traded to the San Antonio Stars shortly after. Her WNBA journey included three seasons between the Stars and Indiana Fever, where she delivered solid contributions across 60 games. Her averages: 4.5 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game. But the stat sheet only tells part of the story.
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Known for her physical defense, strong rebounding for a guard, and scoring ability, Gwathmey transitioned seamlessly into international play. She has competed professionally in Italy, Spain, South Korea, Australia, Hungary, and Puerto Rico.
Gwathmey proudly represented Puerto Rico on the global stage. She’s competed in major tournaments including:
- 2017 Centrobasket
- 2019 Pan American Games (bronze medal)
- 2020 FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament
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She also led Atenienses de Manatí to a BSNF Championship in 2019, further solidifying her legacy.
What makes Jazmon Gwathmey truly stand out isn’t just her stats or trophies, it’s her role as a beacon for young Latina athletes.
She proves that there’s space for Latinas in professional basketball, not only as fans but as fierce, leading competitors.
With the WNBA expanding its reach and spotlighting new voices, Gwathmey and players like her remind us why representation matters. As we head into this year’s WNBA Playoffs, one thing is clear: This isn’t just a moment for Latinas in sports. This is the beginning of an era.
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