Ruth Ellen Riley Hunter, born on August 28, 1979, in Ransom, Kansas, is a retired American professional basketball player and one of the most celebrated figures in women’s basketball history.
Raised in Macy, Indiana, a small town with fewer than 250 residents, Ruth grew up in humble circumstances, nurtured by her mother Sharon Riley, a single parent who worked as a waitress, factory worker and in-home hair stylist.
Ruth’s journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a basketball legend is a testament to her hard work, faith, and the values instilled by her family.
After an illustrious career that spanned college and professional basketball, she transitioned into roles as a television and radio analyst.
Siblings
Ruth has an older sister, Rachel Riley, and a younger brother, Jake Riley.
Rachel Riley, Ruth’s older sister and self-described best friend, shared a competitive yet supportive bond with Ruth growing up.
Both attended the University of Notre Dame, where their sibling rivalry extended to academics as they vied for the best grades.
While Rachel did not pursue a public career in basketball like Ruth, their close relationship and shared experiences at Notre Dame highlight the family’s emphasis on education and mutual encouragement.
Career
Ruth began making waves at the University of Notre Dame, where she played from 1997 to 2001.
Her college career peaked in 2001 when she led Notre Dame to its first NCAA women’s basketball championship.
In the title game against Purdue, with the score tied and just 5.8 seconds remaining, Ruth sank two free throws to secure a 68-66 victory, earning her the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player award.
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She remains the only Notre Dame women’s basketball player to achieve both 2,000 career points and 1,000 rebounds.
Drafted fifth overall by the Miami Sol in the 2001 WNBA Draft, Ruth began her professional career as a center.
After the Sol folded in 2003, she joined the Detroit Shock, where she won two WNBA championships (2003 and 2006).
Her standout performance in the 2003 Finals earned her the WNBA Finals MVP award, making her the first player to win MVP honors in both the NCAA and WNBA championship series.
Ruth’s 13-year WNBA career also included stints with the San Antonio Silver Stars, Chicago Sky, and Atlanta Dream, retiring in 2014.
Internationally, she struck gold with the U.S. Women’s Olympic Team at the 2004 Athens Olympics.
Beyond the court, Ruth pursued higher education, earning an Executive MBA from Notre Dame in 2016, and has since worked as a broadcaster and philanthropist, notably with organizations like Nothing But Nets and No Kid Hungry.
Accolades
Riley won an NCAA Championship in 2001, leading Notre Dame to its first title and being named Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four.
She secured WNBA Championships in 2003 and 2006 with the Detroit Shock, earning Finals MVP in 2003.
Ruth also won an Olympic Gold Medal in 2004 as part of the undefeated U.S. team in Athens.
Recognized as a two-time first-team Academic All-American (2000, 2001), she was named Verizon Academic All-American of the Year in 2001.
In 2019, she was inducted into the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame for her contributions to the sport.
Ruth received the WNBA Community Assist Award in 2008 and 2012 for her charitable efforts. At Notre Dame, she holds program records in rebounds (1,007), blocked shots (370), and field goal percentage (.632).
Ruth Riley’s career and accolades are matched by her commitment to social good, a legacy shaped by her family—particularly her siblings—who grounded her in the values that fueled her success.
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