If you’ve been scrolling through Miami Heat Twitter lately, you’ve probably seen the name Jaime Jaquez Jr. more for his personal life than his legendary footwork. It’s wild. One day he’s hitting a clutch fadeaway, and the next, the internet is trying to figure out who is sitting courtside at the Kaseya Center.
Honestly, the "Triple-J" era in Miami has brought a lot of eyes to the young forward. But when it comes to the Jaime Jaquez Jr. girlfriend topic, things actually got pretty messy recently. There were these bizarre rumors floating around about him and Nikki Spoelstra (Coach Erik Spoelstra’s ex-wife). People were losing their minds over it. It turned out to be complete nonsense. Nikki herself had to jump on Instagram to shut it down, basically calling the internet "knuckleheads" and confirming she’d even talked to Jaime’s actual girlfriend to clear the air.
So, who is the person actually holding it down for the Heat’s rising star? Her name is Dominique Ruotolo. And no, she isn't just someone famous for being a "WAG." She’s a world-class athlete in her own right.
The Draft Night "Disaster" That Started It All
Most people think NBA players meet their partners at exclusive red-carpet events or through some high-end dating app for the elite. Not these two. Jaime actually told the story on Cameron Brink’s Straight to Cam podcast, and it sounds like something straight out of a college comedy.
It was draft night in 2023. Jaime was in New York, probably having the best night of his life after being picked 18th overall by Miami. Naturally, he went out to celebrate. He ended up at a club, admittedly a little too deep into the straight tequila. He literally "bumped" into Dominique.
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He tried to be smooth. He invited her to go get pizza.
It didn't go well.
Instead of a romantic late-night slice, Jaime ended up getting sick. Dominique, being a total sport, didn't just leave him there. She actually helped him get back to his hotel where his brother, Justin, was sleeping. Imagine being drafted into the NBA and then having your future girlfriend see you at your absolute worst four hours later. He texted her the next morning to apologize, and surprisingly, she texted back. They didn't start dating immediately, but that chaotic night in NYC was the foundation.
Who Exactly Is Dominique Ruotolo?
If you follow track and field, you already know the name. Dominique isn't just "the girl Jaime is dating." She is a powerhouse.
Originally born in Aarau, Switzerland, she grew up in Newport Beach, California. She’s a triple jump specialist and has a resume that would make most professional athletes jealous.
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- Collegiate Star: She started at the University of Oregon before transferring to USC.
- Champion Status: She’s a Pac-12 champion and an All-American.
- International Experience: She’s competed for Team USA at the U20 level and earned a bronze medal.
The dynamic between them is pretty funny because of the school rivalry. Jaime is a UCLA legend. Dominique is a USC Trojan. In Southern California, that’s basically like Romeo and Juliet, but with more basketball and track spikes. Jaime has joked that even though she went to "that other school," he still thinks UCLA is the superior institution.
Keeping It Real in Miami
The couple "hard-launched" their relationship at the 14th Annual Miami Heat Gala in early 2024. Since then, they've been spotted together at various Heat events. Dominique is often seen on social media supporting him, even calling him her "Goldie locks" (a nod to his hair, obviously) and the "best human" she’s ever met.
It’s refreshing, honestly. In a city like Miami, where the "clout-chasing" culture is at an all-time high, these two seem pretty grounded. They’re both California kids living the dream in Florida. They’ve been through the grind of being collegiate athletes, so she understands the 82-game schedule and the physical toll it takes better than most.
While there was a mention by TMZ during the Spoelstra rumor drama of a "Ciera Muscarella," that appears to be outdated or confused information. All current and verified accounts from the players themselves point directly to Dominique Ruotolo being the one by his side as of 2026.
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Why This Relationship Works
The reason people are so invested in the Jaime Jaquez Jr. girlfriend saga is because it feels relatable—well, as relatable as being a multi-millionaire NBA player can be.
They share a lot of common ground:
- Athletic Excellence: Both understand the discipline required to stay at the top.
- California Roots: Both are West Coast natives navigating the humidity of South Florida.
- The Grind: Dominique has her own Olympic dreams and professional track career to focus on, which means she isn't just living in Jaime's shadow.
What to Look Out For Next
If you’re a fan trying to keep up, your best bet isn't the gossip blogs. Follow Dominique’s Instagram for the actual "behind-the-scenes" content. She occasionally posts snippets of their life that don't make it to the sports highlights—like their dinners or just hanging out away from the cameras.
If you see a tall, athletic woman cheering loudly near the Heat bench, there's a good chance it's her. Just don't ask her about the UCLA vs. USC rivalry unless you want to see some competitive fire.
Actionable Insight for Fans:
- Verify the source: If you see a "breaking news" story about Jaime's dating life on TikTok, check if Nikki Spoelstra or Dominique Ruotolo has posted a rebuttal. The Heat community is tight-knit, and rumors often get debunked quickly by the people involved.
- Respect the privacy: While they are public at events like the Heat Gala, they tend to keep their day-to-day lives private.
- Follow the track season: If you want to support the "other half" of this power couple, keep an eye on the major track and field meets. Dominique is still a force in the triple jump circuit.