FROM TEXAS TO TOBACCO ROAD: Former Eagle Pass Star Larissa Jacquez Transfers from Incarnate Word to Duke Blue Devils
Larissa Jacquez has officially traded the warm sun of South Texas for the storied hardwood of Durham, North Carolina. In a move that’s sent ripples across the women’s college basketball landscape, the former Incarnate Word standout has committed to transfer to Duke University, joining the Blue Devils and marking one of the most intriguing portal moves of the offseason. What began as a promising journey at a mid-major in the heart of Texas has evolved into a leap to the national stage on Tobacco Road, a rare transition that speaks volumes about both Jacquez’s talent and the vision Duke has for her future.
Jacquez, a dynamic and relentless guard, built her reputation as a scorer and playmaker with the University of the Incarnate Word, but her story began in the border town of Eagle Pass, Texas. There, she dominated the high school circuit with an uncanny ability to break down defenders, finish through contact, and carry her team on both ends of the floor. Despite flying under the radar compared to many of the traditional blue-chip recruits from major AAU pipelines, Jacquez’s toughness, intelligence, and versatility made her an invaluable piece at UIW from the moment she stepped on campus.
Her impact at Incarnate Word was immediate and consistent. Over multiple seasons, Jacquez became the engine of the Cardinals’ offense, racking up points, assists, and steals with the kind of relentless energy that couldn’t be taught. She averaged double figures in scoring each year, often shouldering the heaviest minutes load and embracing the pressure of being the team’s closer in crunch time. But her contributions were about more than just numbers. She brought a swagger to the floor—a border-born bravado—that lifted her teammates and raised the program’s expectations in every game.
Now, as she heads to Duke, Jacquez enters a new chapter, one filled with heightened stakes and historic expectations. The Blue Devils, who have been rebuilding under head coach Kara Lawson, continue to seek the right blend of experience, leadership, and competitive edge to return to the upper tier of ACC and national contention. Lawson has emphasized toughness, defense, and high-IQ basketball as pillars of the program’s resurgence, and Jacquez fits the mold perfectly. She’s not just a transfer filling a roster spot—she’s a piece of the puzzle that could elevate the entire team.
The transition from the Southland Conference to the ACC is no small step, and skeptics may question how Jacquez’s game will translate against elite competition. But those who’ve followed her closely know she’s always thrived in the underdog role. She’s been doubted before—overlooked by bigger programs out of high school, counted out when she chose a smaller college, and yet time after time she’s answered with production, poise, and passion. Her move to Duke is less about potential and more about proven readiness. It’s about the Blue Devils trusting that her game, while forged in relative obscurity, is ready to shine in the brightest of spotlights.
What makes Jacquez such a compelling fit for Duke isn’t just her stats or accolades; it’s the way she plays the game. Her defensive tenacity is relentless—she guards with purpose, has quick hands, and can disrupt offensive flow at the point of attack. Offensively, she’s crafty and composed, capable of scoring from all three levels and creating opportunities for others when the defense collapses. Her court vision allows her to exploit weaknesses quickly, and her motor never stops, which is exactly the kind of player Lawson wants leading by example.
Off the court, Jacquez brings a presence that resonates with her teammates. Those who’ve played with her describe a leader who listens first, encourages always, and refuses to let anyone settle for less than their best. That mindset will be crucial as Duke looks to re-establish itself as a contender in the ACC, especially amid stiff competition from perennial powerhouses like NC State, Louisville, and Notre Dame. In a conference loaded with talent, every edge matters—and Jacquez’s edge is her drive. She didn’t arrive at this moment by accident. It’s been years in the making, built on sweat, sacrifice, and an unshakable belief in her ability.
For Duke fans, the arrival of Jacquez offers more than just depth—it offers hope. Hope that a battle-tested guard can bring a new level of fight to the backcourt. Hope that her story can inspire younger players from overlooked communities to chase their dreams. And hope that, with the right pieces in place, the Blue Devils can reclaim their spot as a powerhouse in women’s college basketball. This is a program with legacy, with banners, with expectations. Players like Jacquez don’t just want to play here—they want to be part of something greater. They want to win, to lead, and to leave a legacy of their own.
Her decision to transfer to Duke wasn’t just about basketball—it was about challenge, growth, and belief in something bigger. She had other options, schools that perhaps felt more familiar, or paths that may have seemed safer. But choosing Duke means choosing pressure, expectations, and the opportunity to rewrite her narrative on the national stage. It’s the kind of decision that separates the good from the great—the kind of move that signals a player who’s not afraid to bet on herself.
Back in Eagle Pass, her hometown is buzzing with pride. Local coaches, friends, and fans who watched her torch defenses in high school now get to watch her battle in Cameron Indoor Stadium. For a town that rarely sees its athletes land at such a prestigious destination, Jacquez’s journey is deeply personal. She carries their pride with her—every step, every game, every possession. And she knows it.
As Duke prepares for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how Jacquez integrates into a roster full of talent and ambition. Chemistry will be key, as will adjusting to the speed and physicality of ACC play. But if history is any indication, Jacquez will find her rhythm quickly. She’s no stranger to adjusting, to rising to the moment, to proving people wrong. That chip on her shoulder—the one that fueled her in Eagle Pass and at Incarnate Word—now fuels her on a national stage.
There’s something fitting about her move from Texas to Tobacco Road. From the wide-open spaces of the border to the echoing chants of Cameron, Jacquez’s basketball journey reflects the diversity and depth of the sport. It’s a reminder that greatness can come from anywhere—that talent, when combined with tenacity, can rise through any level. Her story isn’t just about where she’s going; it’s about where she’s from and who she’s become.
So as the Blue Devils gear up for what promises to be a thrilling season, Larissa Jacquez will walk onto the court with her signature determination, ready to compete, ready to lead, and ready to make her mark. And for those still learning her name, they’ll find out soon enough—because players like her don’t just play the game. They change it.
