Ruthie Bolton Article in SN&R

[Carole]

This is the first of a new series on 'This I Believe' and they quoted Ruthie Bolton on page 23 of the SN&R January 19 issue:

Hard Work is the Answer by Ruthie Bolton
Hard work will lead to fulfilling your dreams, no matter what anyone else may tell you. If you really want something, you can make it happen. You just have to believe in yourself. Growing up in a family with 19 other children wasn't easy. Everyone was competitive, and I learned early from my parents that focus and determination would get me far.

Basketball was a big part of my life. My sister Mae Ola and I played on the same team in high school, and she went on to play at Auburn University. During my senior year in high school, I was hoping to be able to follow in my sister's footsteps and play with her at Auburn. However, Auburn Head Coach Joe Ciampi didn't thinik I would be as good as my sister. I worked to convince him otherwise. I also joined the Army Reserves. I didn't tell my coach at first for fear of having to choose between basketball and ROTC, but once he found out he was impressed. He saw how dedicated I was to making my dreams happen. I helped guide the team to four NCAA tournament appearances and three Southwestern Conference championships.

 

[Carole]

Part 2:

After college, I traveled the world while playing basketball overseas. One dream my sister and I shared was to play on the USA women's national basketball Olympic team. After several tryouts and cuts, I worked hard on my game until I made the Olympic team in 1996, and then again in 2000. We won gold both years. I gave one of those medals to my sister because she didn't make those Olympic teams but supported me all the way. I played overseas for six years before I came back here to play professionally. The WNBA started in 1997. I was signed by the league and assigned to the Sacramento Monarchs. I played eight seasons with the Monarchs and was a two-time All-Star. Though I'm no longer playing for the franchise, it is still a big part of my life.

Basketball has been good to me, and though there were challenges along the way, I didn't allow them to stop me. I believe we can do anything if we put our mind to it. Yes, there may be doubters along the way, but their disbelief is a challenge to work harder. Coach Ciampi didn't see my potential right away, yet years later I was honored when he retired my jersey at Auburn University. Recently, the Sacramento Monarchs retired my jersey, as an inaugural member of the franchise. If someone had told me 20 years ago I would be where I am today, I never would have guessed I could have come this far. Now I know that anything is possible with a positive mental attitude and hard work.

Ruthie Bolton is a two-time WNBA All-Star. She resides in Elk Grove.

There's a really good picture, too! But, then, Ruthie always takes care with her appearance.

 

[NothinButHoops]

Thanks Carol...I'll have to pick up a copy. A great accomplishment to have both her college & Pro jerseys retired. We all know she'd jump back on the court should a offer come. With that being said, looks like she's really enjoying her new careers. I'm happy to have her involved with the team as well.

 

[StevenHW]

I wonder how Ruthie's sister, Mae Ola, turned out? In the article, Ruthie said that she followed Mae's footsteps in Auburn Univ. But I know nothing of Mae's career in college, or if she ever played ball afterwards. Anyone know?

 

[HoopMatron]

I wonder how Ruthie's sister, Mae Ola, turned out? In the article, Ruthie said that she followed Mae's footsteps in Auburn Univ. But I know nothing of Mae's career in college, or if she ever played ball afterwards. Anyone know?

I believe Mae Ola was severely injured in a car accident either while in college or shortly afterward. She wasn't able to play after that. Ruthie has always maintained that Mae Ola was the better player of the two.

 

[Carole]

I checked Wikipedia and Ruthie is there as a basketball player, but not Ola Mae

 

[Monty'sBiggestFan]

From the SEC's website

Mae Ola Bolton, Auburn (Basketball; 1985-88)
A three-time All-SEC first team member , two-time SEC all-tournament pick and SEC Freshman of the Year in 1985, Mae Ola Bolton helped lead Auburn to its first NCAA title game appearance in her senior year scoring a total of 62 points in the NCAA Tournament. She still holds the Auburn record for steals with 282 in her career and is fifth all-time in scoring with 1,616 points. She was named to the 1987 USA Select team, which competed in Seoul, South Korea and also won two gold medals in the 1985 and 1986 U.S. Olympic Festivals.

 

[NothinButHoops]

Sounds like she was a fine player. Too bad I never seen her play.
Thanks for that awesome report MBF. You got some game knowledge kid!