Jacqueline Luna-Castro has been passionate about the game of basketball for as long as she can remember. From her dad playing soccer to her older sister playing basketball, the world of sports was a space she was immersed in from a young age. It wasn’t until her time in high school though, where Jacqueline solidified her interest in playing the game at the highest level. Throughout her time at Boise High School, she earned several accolades on the court—including Idaho’s Gatorade Player of the Year—, and strengthened her commitment to taking the next step in her career. As she embarked on her collegiate career, Jacqueline continued to deepen her knowledge of the game and strengthen her skills on the court. It was during her junior year of college, where everything changed. The possibility of pursuing a career in professional basketball became more and more apparent. As her teammates were graduating and starting their careers overseas, Jacqueline began to explore opportunities to follow in similar footsteps. She hasn’t looked back since. After graduating from college, Jacqueline began her Jacqueline began her professional career overseas and has had incredible success playing for teams in Australia, Finland, Puerto Rico, Spain, Mexico and Greece. She has also co-founded Ball2Books—an organization dedicated to providing students around the world with resources to be successful on and off the court. Simply amazing!
You had a great high school career in Idaho. Could you take us through that journey early on? How was that transition like from high school to college?
It was difficult. Basketball in Idaho wasn’t a huge thing. Even when I was growing up, there were like two AAU teams in the South. So going from playing in Idaho to playing in Division I was a huge change—mostly on the conditioning side of it. Our coach was super demanding, and that part was just something that I wasn’t used to. But overall I really, really enjoyed it. I enjoyed having a little bit more responsibility and freedom, and just getting to know people from different cultures. I think there was just a lot more diversity in California, and I loved that.
How do you think your game elevated throughout your time in college? Was that the time when you decided you wanted to play basketball at the professional level?
I definitely think I got stronger and understood the game better during my time in college. I had a great coach in high school, but in college, they really just pushed us to that next level. Playing against good competition every day in practice and against other teams, I think that really helped me elevate my game and become a better player. I always wanted to play basketball at the professional level—even when I was a kid—, I just didn’t know it would be realistic. I think when I was going into my junior year, that is when I realized that I could play (at the professional level). A couple of my teammates were graduating and going overseas, and they were telling me: “You can definitely do it.” That let me know that (playing professional basketball) was a reality, and that is when I decided that I had to put even more effort into it so I could have the opportunity once I was done with college.
Could you share more with us about what that experience of playing overseas has been like?
It has been amazing! I am so grateful and I feel so blessed to be able to play basketball as my job. I love it so much. I enjoy it every day. It has definitely been difficult in a lot of ways—not exactly what I expected—, but I just try to stay really positive and enjoy the experience through it all. It has been really fun to get the opportunity to travel, try different foods, and learn the different styles of basketball in every country. Just amazing.
You also competed with the Mexican National Team. What was that experience like and how special was it for you to play for that team?