Queen of Women's Basketball: Honoring WNBA Superstar Ruthie Bolton
- Hattiesburg News Staff
- Feb 17
- 3 min read
Ruthie Bolton, born May 25, 1967 to Leola and Linwood Bolton, is the twin sister of Allen Ray Bolton of the famous Bolton Brothers, a legendary gospel music group consisting of her brothers, but not all of them. Ruthie is just 16 of 20 siblings but she made a name for herself and in her own right, is not only the biggest star in her family, but one of the biggest superstars in the world.
Ruthie is a 2x WNBA All-star, 2x Olympic Gold Medalist, and an inductee in the WNBA Hall of Fame. That's just for starters. She represented the United States of America with famous teammates like The Queen of College Basketball Coach Dawn Staley, the famous head coach for women's basketball at The University of South Carolina who won 3 NCAA National Championship including in 2024.
Ruthie has also served her country as a member of the United States Military, reaching the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Yes, she's represented her country both in the Olympics and and in the military. No question she not only a true American Hero but also a treasure to the African American Culture.
Ruthie has won additional medals outside of the Olympics. She's won a bronze and gold medal for the FIBA World Championship for Women and another gold medal for the World Championship Games in 1991.
Ruthie started her professional career for the Visby Ladies in Sweden. The following season, The Queen of Women's Basketball became the first American female to play professional sports in Hungary.
Ruthie has been featured in many documentaries as she was a star well before the WNBA was created paving the way for thousands of young female athletes who follow in her footsteps.
Ruthie is one of the most sought after guest speakers in the world, speaking at colleges & universities, high schools, sports events, and corporate events all across the world.
Ruthie is the author of several books including the bestseller, "Sent With Purpose." She's very passionate about women empowerment and overcoming domestic violence as she herself was a victim of domestic violence, being physically and mentally abused by her ex-husband, in which she candidly talks about.
Today, Ruthie is being sought out by multiple universities to become their next head coach of women's basketball. She serves on several organization's Board of Directors, including being a board member and brand ambassador for the Mississippi Association of Players, the primary organization that serves 7th - 12th grade student athletes in Mississippi through all-stars, scholarships, mentorship programs, and awards.
Ruthie loves serving as a mentor to kids in her local community when's she home back in Mississippi. Ruthie is not only American History, she's embedded into the frame of Black History. Ruthie Bolton, Queen of Basketball, continues to give both on and off the court. Ruthie is the mother of 2 teenagers, Hope and Chris.
