UK Hoops welcomed Ruthie Bolton a two-time Olympic gold medalist (1996, 2000) and long-time star for the Women’s Basketball National Association’s Sacramento Monarchs to campus. Bolton is serving as a guest speaker and instructor at Mickie DeMoss’ Summer Camp June 19-22.
“It’s exciting. When I saw Coach [Mickie] DeMoss at the SEC Tournament, I told her ‘I want to come to your camp.’ I was excited about it,” Bolton said. “Coach DeMoss really drew me here. My calendar was filling up, but I wanted to save time for it. I am really just proud of how she has done. I just wanted to come to be a part what she’s doing.”
During her eight seasons in the WNBA (1997-2004), Bolton was a two-time all-star and averaged over 19 points per game in her first season in the league. DeMoss recruited Bolton to Auburn where she played from 1986 to 1989. Auburn advanced to the NCAA tournament four times and made it to the championship games in 1989 and 1990. Bolton was named to 1988 and 1989 NCAA Mideast Region All-Tournament teams, the 1988 NCAA Final Four All-Tournament Team and the 1989 All SEC second team. She earned a degree in Exercise Physiology.
“Coach DeMoss has always been positive and really believes in building up young ladies, and that’s what I’m about too,” Bolton said. “I played basketball for quite a while and I want to give back. She just really cares and has a great relationship with my family. She had a chance to meet my mom and dad. She knows I’m for real ? I’m who I am. We connect very well.”
Bolton boasts a family of 19 brothers and sisters, including twin brother Ray, and at last count had 105 nieces and nephews. Growing up in rural southern Mississippi, she is the 16th child of the late Rev. Linwood Bolton and Leola Bolton.
“I try to tell these young ladies that your attitude really takes you a long way,” Bolton said. “That’s what helped me ? my attitude and work-ethic. I tell the girls to be the best that they can be. I tell them to work hard, keep a positive attitude and it will take you a whole lot of places.”
Bolton currently serves as the head coach at William Jessup University in Rocklin, Calif., and holds a fan relations position with the Monarchs front office. She was recently named honorable mention on the WNBA’s All-Decade team, one of just 15 players honored.
