Meeting Speaker for Nov. 21, 2011 - Ruthie Bolton
Ruthie Bolton of the former Sacramento Monarchs, along with Cheryl Swoops, Rebecca Lobo, Cynthia Cooper, Michele Timms and Lisa Leslie, created the WNBA 15 years ago. Ruthie was the first player selected for the Sacramento Monarchs, bringing exciting women’s professional world caliber basketball to Sacramento and the national market. A long time crowd and player favorite, her accomplishments have come a long way from rural Mississippi, where she started her basketball career. She played at the highest level of NCAA basketball, winning an Olympic Gold Medal in the Sydney 2000 games, and played overseas in the off season.
Ruthie retired from playing and was part of the front office team for the Monarch’s, supporting the Western Conference players and being a voice for the community.
A few things you may not know about Ruthie Bolton; 16th of 20 children including a twin brother (17th by a minute), an aunt to well over 105 nieces and nephews. Ruthie is a professional singer, proficient in Italian and a world traveler having played basketball before countless nationalities.
Ruthie Bolton has been active in Habitat for Humanity, Say No to Drugs, coach of the basketball team at William Jessup University, various community outreaches and a role model to young women.