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Ruthie Bolton: Women's Basketball Pioneer

Ruthie Bolton, an inductee in the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame, is without a doubt, one of the best to ever lace it up. Spending the entirety of her WNBA career in the Capital City, she was a key member of the Sacramento Monarchs for eight seasons, setting the foundation for the franchise’s lone championship in 2005.

No. 6 accumulated many different awards throughout her playing days. She was an accomplished international athlete, highlighted by her two Olympic Gold Medals with Team USA. Bolton also garnered two All-Star appearances and an All-WNBA First Team honor in 1997.

As part of the WNBA in its inaugural season, she helped spearhead the growth of women’s basketball. Through her tenacity and competitive will on the court, Bolton introduced a first-class organization to young girls, showing that they too can be professional athletes in a sport they love.

Since her playing days ended, Bolton has continued to help grow the game. She has worked with the United States government through the SportsUnited Sports Envoy, traveling overseas to grow the sport for youth and women across the globe. She also participates in camps across the country to help teach the game, including right here in Sacramento where she’s often leading Junior Kings camps around the region.

Bolton has also penned her own books, sharing her journey. Her most recent book “The Ride of a Lifetime” tells her story of her humble beginnings in Mississippi all the way through her success as a pro player later in life. She is currently writing another book, with continued hopes of inspiring women just like her.

As one of the most decorated players in Monarchs franchise history, Bolton has used her life experiences both on and off the court to help teach youth about life.

“I’m thankful to be chosen to go through the bad, as well as the good,” Bolton said in an interview with Kings.com. “At the end of the day, to find beauty in struggle. It’s been a journey, but a good one.”

Today, the WNBA reaches audiences on national television and has expanded to 12 teams. The League’s growth can be attributed to the executives and players that pioneered its growth in its infancy, like Bolton. As time continues to roll on, her impact will continue to bear fruit.

“I want to be able to see young girls grow and keep growing, and dream,” she said.


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