| Full Name | Jaime Jaquez Jr. |
| Date of Birth | February 18, 2001 |
| Birthplace | Irvine, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Current Team | Miami Heat |
| Position | Small Forward |
| College | UCLA (2019–2023) |
| NBA Draft | 2023, 1st Round, 18th Pick (Miami Heat) |
| Girlfriend | Dominique Ruotolo |
| Girlfriend’s Career | Track & Field Athlete at USC |
| Relationship Began | Late 2023 |
| Source | TMZ – Erik Spoelstra’s Ex-Wife Slams Jaquez Dating Rumors |
Recently, Jaime Jaquez Jr., a talented small forward who is making waves with the Heat in Miami, has drawn attention from far outside of the court. His relationship with Nikki Spoelstra, the ex-wife of Heat coach Erik Spoelstra, has been the subject of rumors in recent months. A clearer, much more realistic story—one based on respect for one another, athletic ambition, and personal development—became apparent as rumors subsided and facts surfaced.
Jaquez’s real girlfriend, Dominique Ruotolo, is more than just a bystander to celebrity. She is currently the star of USC’s track and field team and is a highly competent athlete in her own right. Dominique, who was born in Aarau, Switzerland, relocated to Newport Beach at a young age and quickly established herself as a star in the triple, long, and high jump competitions. She famously became the second-best triple jumper in college history at the University of Oregon before transferring to USC for her final season.
Their relationship, which had been developed gradually behind the scenes, was first made public in December 2023. At Offset’s celebrity-filled birthday party, the two were seen together, discreetly sharing an incident that was swiftly analyzed on social media. By February 2024, Dominique had begun to show up more often on Jaquez’s Instagram, but not in staged promotional photos but rather in genuine, warm, and intensely personal glimpses of daily life. “Happy Birthday to my love,” said one of her birthday tributes. The best person I’ve ever met and my best friend in real life. Luh u tons. My goldie hair and cocks. Any uncertainty regarding the genuineness of their relationship was eliminated by the note’s remarkably heartfelt resonance.
However, a few weeks later, fresh controversy erupted on the internet. Unfounded rumors started linking Jaquez and Nikki Spoelstra. Even though the claim was swiftly refuted, it put Dominique and Jaime in an awkward spotlight for a while. In a forceful reply, Nikki referred to the rumors as “nonsense” and joked that she would “dust him,” making fun of the age gap. She notably clarified that she had previously spoken privately with Dominique and Jaime’s mother about the matter, exhibiting a remarkably mature response to public miscalculation.
Personal boundaries are frequently tested for young athletes in high-profile settings. The rumor itself wasn’t particularly noteworthy in this case, but rather how well everyone involved handled it by utilizing humor and honesty rather than drama or denial. Dominique’s ability to maintain composure in the face of speculative chaos was especially impressive and demonstrates a strength that goes beyond athleticism.
Their ability to strike a balance between their private and public lives is what makes this couple unique. Their relationship isn’t staged or edited for social media interaction. Instead, it has been meticulously cultivated in the background and unveiled gradually, much like a movie growing in the sun. Another confirmation came when they both attended the Miami Heat’s 14th Annual Gala in April 2024. Presenting themself as equals rather than the star-athlete-plus-partner structure that is frequently observed in professional sports circles, they came not to “make headlines” but to create memories.
In the meantime, Dominique is still making an impression in her field. She continues her own legacy as a Pac-12 champion who won a bronze at the 2017 USA U20 Championships. She is well-known for her self-control and diligence, but she has also been pursuing artistic endeavors, dabbling in the visual arts and learning languages. She defies the stereotype of an athlete’s partner riding coattails by excelling in a variety of fields, demonstrating her immense versatility.
Dominique continues to be a consistent presence as Miami pushes for the playoffs and Jaquez’s profile keeps growing. It’s challenging for Gen Z couples to remain authentic, especially those who live in the digital age. Nevertheless, with respect for one another, common objectives, and a welcome sense of realism, the couple successfully negotiates these challenges.
Jaime and Dominique stand out in a time when romantic relationships are frequently minimized to public relations tactics. They’re redefining what a high-profile relationships can look like, not just surviving the attention. Their relationship feels surprisingly authentic in a setting that is frequently shaped by the control of image because it is purpose-driven, respectful, and patiently maintained.
