Born: 1967 (Lucedale, Mississippi)
Biography:
Alice Ruth Bolton, known as Ruthie Bolton, was born on May 25, 1967, in Lucedale, Mississippi. She is an American former professional women’s basketball player who made a significant impact at the collegiate, Olympic, and professional levels of women’s basketball. Bolton played in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) from 1997 through 2004 with the Sacramento Monarchs, leaving a lasting legacy in the sport.
Bolton’s basketball journey began during her college years at Auburn University, where she teamed up with her older sister, Mae Ola Bolton. Together, they formed a formidable duo on the court and became vital contributors to Auburn’s success. Their partnership highlighted the potential and talent that Bolton possessed, foreshadowing her future achievements in the sport.
After her collegiate career, Bolton embarked on her professional basketball journey overseas. She started her professional career playing for the Visby Ladies in Sweden during the 1990-1991 season. The following season, she went on to make history by becoming the first American woman to play professionally in Hungary. Bolton continued to impress as she averaged an impressive 26 points per game playing for C.A. Fainzia in Italy during the 1992-1993 season.
Bolton’s skills and passion for the game paved the way for her to join Erreti Faenza, an Italian team, in 1994. During the 1993-1994 and 1994-1995 seasons, Bolton showcased her exceptional abilities, averaging 28 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, followed by averages of 25.5 points and 6.0 rebounds per game, respectively. Her outstanding performances earned her recognition as one of the top players in Europe.
In 1995-1996, Bolton took her talents to Turkey, expanding her international experience. Despite playing abroad, she yearned for an opportunity to compete on her home soil. That opportunity came in 1997 when Bolton was selected as the 13th pick in the initial player allocation for the WNBA draft by the Sacramento Monarchs.
Bolton’s debut game in the WNBA took place on June 21, 1997, and she made an immediate impact, recording 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 steals in a 73-61 victory over the Utah Starzz. Over the course of her eight-year WNBA career, all spent with the Monarchs, Bolton became known for her tenacity, athleticism, and defensive prowess. She consistently showcased her skills, earning her place among the league’s elite players.
After the 2004 season, Bolton faced a heartbreaking decision. Despite her desire to continue playing, she felt pressured to retire by the Monarchs’ organization. Bolton believed that the team wanted to develop their younger talent and make room for players like Rebekkah Brunson and Nicole Powell. This forced retirement was a difficult period for Bolton, who felt rejected and hurt by the team she had dedicated her career to.
While Bolton’s WNBA journey may have ended prematurely, her impact on women’s basketball and her contributions to the sport will always be remembered. She left an indelible mark on the game, inspiring future generations of female athletes to strive for excellence on and off the court.
Outside of basketball, Bolton served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army Reserves as a transportation officer, showcasing her resilience, discipline, and commitment both on and off the court.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to women’s basketball, Bolton was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011. This well-deserved honor acknowledges her achievements and solidifies her place among the basketball greats.
Awards:
– Inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame in 2011