Ruthie Bolton facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Ruthie Bolton

Bolton in 2017
Personal information
Born	(1967-05-25) May 25, 1967 (age 58) Lucedale, Mississippi, U.S.
High school	McLain (McLain, Mississippi)
Listed height	5 ft 9 in (1.75 m)
Listed weight	137 lb (62 kg)
Career information
College	Auburn (1985–1989)
NBA Draft	1997 / Allocated
Selected by the Sacramento Monarchs
Pro career	1990–2004
Career history
1992–1993	C.A. Fainzia
1993–1995	Erreti Faenza
1997–2004	Sacramento Monarchs
Career highlights and awards
2× WNBA All-Star (1999, 2001) All-WNBA First Team (1997) USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year (1991)
Medals Women's Basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 1996 Atlanta Team competition Gold 2000 Sydney Team competition World University Games Gold 1991 Sheffield Team competition FIBA World Championship for Women Bronze 1994 Sydney Team competition Gold 1998 Berlin Team competition

Ruthie Bolton, born on May 25, 1967, is a famous American former professional basketball player. She was born in Lucedale, Mississippi. Ruthie played basketball at college, in the Olympics, and professionally. She was a key player in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Ruthie played for the Sacramento Monarchs from 1997 to 2004. Before that, she played college basketball at Auburn University. Her older sister, Mae Ola Bolton, was also on the team. In 2011, Ruthie was honored by being inducted into the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame. She also served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves.

Ruthie Bolton's Pro Career

Ruthie Bolton started her professional basketball journey overseas. In the 1990–91 season, she played for the Visby Ladies in Sweden. The next year, she played in Hungary. She was the first American woman to play pro basketball there.

Playing in Europe

From 1992 to 1993, Ruthie played in Italy for C.A. Fainzia. She scored about 26 points per game. In 1994, she joined Erreti Faenza, also in Italy. During the 1993–94 season, she averaged 28 points and 7.1 rebounds. She stayed with Faenza for another season. Then, in 1995–96, Ruthie played in Turkey.

Joining the WNBA

On January 22, 1997, Ruthie Bolton was chosen by the Sacramento Monarchs. This was part of the first-ever WNBA player selection. Her first game was on June 21, 1997. The Monarchs won 73-61 against the Utah Starzz. Ruthie scored 16 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and made 6 steals. This was the second "double-double" in WNBA history. A double-double means getting double-digit numbers in two stats, like points and rebounds.

Ruthie played for 8 years in the WNBA, all with the Monarchs. She was one of their most important players. In 1998, she had a knee injury, so she only played 5 games. But she came back strong! She was chosen for the WNBA All-Star team in 1999 and again in 2001.

Playoff Success

During her time with the Monarchs, Ruthie helped the team reach the playoffs five times. They made it to the Western Conference Finals in 2001, 2003, and 2004. Her last game was on October 5, 2004. It was Game 3 of the 2004 Western Conference Finals against the Seattle Storm. The Monarchs lost, and Ruthie retired from the WNBA.

A Difficult Goodbye

Ruthie Bolton has shared that she wasn't ready to retire in 2004. She felt the Monarchs organization wanted her to retire. They wanted to give younger players like Rebekkah Brunson and Nicole Powell more playing time. The year after Ruthie left, the Monarchs won their first WNBA Championship in 2005. They beat the Connecticut Sun 3-1.

Ruthie said this was a very tough time for her. She felt abandoned by the team. She also lost her father in 2005, which made things even harder. She had to work hard to stay positive during this period.

Ruthie Bolton's WNBA Stats

Regular Season Games

Playoff Games

Ruthie Bolton's USA Basketball Journey

Ruthie Bolton wearing a Team USA jersey in April 2006.

Ruthie Bolton played for the USA national team many times. She helped them win several important medals.

World University Games Gold

In July 1991, Ruthie was part of the US team at the World University Games in England. The team played very well. They beat China in a close game, 79–76. Then, they won the gold medal game against Spain, 88–62. Ruthie was the team's top scorer, averaging 14 points per game.

World Championships Medals

In 1994, Ruthie played in the World Championships in Australia. The US team won their early games. But they lost a close semifinal game to Brazil, 110–107. Ruthie scored 17 points in that game. The team then won the bronze medal by beating Australia 100–95.

Ruthie also played in the 1998 FIBA World Championships in Germany. The US team had a tough semifinal game against Brazil. Ruthie hit a three-pointer that gave her team the lead. The US won 93–79. In the gold medal game against Russia, Ruthie hit another crucial three-pointer late in the game. This helped the US win the gold medal, 71–65.

Olympic Gold Medals

Ruthie Bolton was a key player for the US team at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. She scored 21 points in a game against Ukraine. The team won all eight of their games, earning the gold medal for the USA. Ruthie averaged 12.8 points per game and led the team in steals.

She continued with the national team to the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. The US team won all eight games again. They beat host Australia in the gold medal game. Ruthie helped the team win another Olympic gold medal.

Ruthie Bolton's College Stats

Source

Ruthie Bolton's Life Today

After her playing career, Ruthie Bolton continued to work with the Sacramento Monarchs. She worked in their public relations department. She also coached women's basketball at William Jessup University. Later, she became the head coach for girls' basketball at Vacaville Christian High School. Ruthie also enjoys singing gospel music.

Ruthie is very active in the Sport Diplomacy program for the U.S. Department of State. She has traveled to many countries, like Armenia, China, and Saudi Arabia. There, she teaches basketball clinics to young people and women. She helps promote understanding and inclusion through sports. She also supports efforts to help women and girls around the world.

Ruthie Bolton lives in Sacramento, California. She still works with the Golden State Warriors, helping with their youth camps. She also runs her "AIM HIGH" program in schools. This program helps junior high and high school students.

Ruthie is also helping to open "Ruthie's Place" in Sacramento. This center will help families and young people in need. It will offer support services for girls and LGBTQ youth. It will also have a thrift center that helps the community. Ruthie is working with A Community For Peace (ACFP) on this project. You can learn more at www.acommunityforpeace.org.

In 2014, Ruthie was inducted into the Multi-Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame. She has also written two books: "From Pain to Peace" and "The Ride of a Lifetime."

See also

In Spanish: Ruthie Bolton para niños