Born: 1979 (Ransom, Kansas)
Biography:
Ruth Ellen Riley Hunter (born August 28, 1979) is a retired American professional basketball player who made a tremendous impact in the world of women’s basketball. Standing at an imposing six feet tall, Riley played as a center and exhibited exceptional skill, dedication, and sportsmanship throughout her career. Her remarkable achievements, both on and off the court, solidified her place as a legendary figure in women’s basketball history.
Born in Ransom, Kansas, and raised in Macy, Indiana, Riley’s passion for basketball was evident from an early age. She displayed her exceptional talent during her high school years at North Miami Middle/High School. Riley’s height and athleticism set her apart from her peers, and she excelled in basketball, volleyball, and track. She introduced her signature headband during this time, a tradition that would become synonymous with her playing style. Riley’s exceptional performance on the court earned her numerous accolades, including scoring an impressive 1,372 points, acquiring 1,011 rebounds, and blocking 427 shots. As a senior, she averaged an impressive 26 points per game and had her jersey number retired by the high school.
Continuing her basketball journey at the University of Notre Dame, Riley quickly established herself as a formidable force in collegiate basketball. Throughout her four years at Notre Dame, she consistently ranked among the nation’s top women basketball players in field goal percentage and blocked shots. In her freshman year, she played in all 32 games, starting in the final 26. From then on, she became the starting center for the Notre Dame team, showcasing her skills and leadership on the court.
Riley’s junior and senior years proved to be particularly outstanding. She earned the honor of being selected as an Associated Press First Team All-American in both seasons. Her senior year was nothing short of exceptional, as she received the Naismith Award and was named the Associated Press Player of the Year. Additionally, she received the prestigious 2000-01 Verizon Academic All-American of the Year for the University Division I. However, the pinnacle of her college career came in the 2001 NCAA tournament. On the championship game, with Notre Dame trailing Purdue by two points, Riley displayed nerves of steel and scored the tying field goal, contributing to their eventual victory and securing the NCAA women’s championship.
Following her illustrious college career, Riley embarked on a professional journey that further solidified her place in women’s basketball history. She played for several professional teams, including the Detroit Shock and the Atlanta Dream in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). Riley’s impact on the game extended beyond the WNBA, as she also played on teams that won the National Women’s Basketball League (NWBL) championship, a gold medal at the Olympic Games, and the 2010 EuroCup Championship.
Riley’s impact and success were not limited to the basketball court. In March 2016, she participated in Mogul’s IAmAMogul campaign, inspiring women to believe in their power to shape the world through their voices and actions. Her dedication to empowering women and making a positive difference continued as she embarked on a role as the general manager for the San Antonio Stars, a position she held from May 2016 until the team’s sale and relocation to Las Vegas in the 2017-18 off-season.
Riley’s contributions to women’s basketball were recognized and honored when she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019. This prestigious accolade serves as a testament to the impact she made on the sport throughout her career. In 2022, her expertise and experience led her to join the Miami Heat front office as the Senior Director of Team Development, further solidifying her position as a trailblazer in women’s basketball.
In addition to her numerous achievements on the basketball court, Riley’s dedication to academic excellence and philanthropy sets her apart. She consistently demonstrated her commitment to both education and community involvement, making her an exceptional role model for young aspiring athletes.
Ruth Riley Hunter’s legacy as a groundbreaking and influential figure in women’s basketball will continue to inspire future generations of athletes. Her remarkable skills, unwavering determination, and commitment to empowering others have left an indelible mark on the sport and society as a whole.
Awards:
– NCAA women’s championship (2001)
– WNBA championship (2003, 2006)
– Most Valuable Player in the NCAA championship series (2001)
– Most Valuable Player in the WNBA championship series (2003)
– National Women’s Basketball League (NWBL) championship
– Olympic Games gold medalist
– 2010 EuroCup Championship
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame (2019)