Ruthie Mbugua: The Kenyan basketball sensation chasing the American dream

Ruthie Mbugua’s basketball journey is a tale of self-discovery and perseverance, having had to surmount arduous challenges to realize her dreams.

Standing at 6'1", her journey to the top started in 2017 when then, aged 13, she joined Buruburu Girls High School; with her lanky and imposing stature made her stand out, though it also led to ridicule and nicknames.

Soon after that, basketball emerged as her solace after local coaches quickly noticed her talent during her first day at school.

Under the guidance of Coach Shem and Coach Mayienga, she continued to blossom by working on her craft as she eyed a professional career.

Mbugua grew up in Kiambu, where her passion for basketball was evident from a young age as she would take two buses daily to reach Diwopa for basketball practice.

Her love for the game drove her to persevere, regardless of her age or the challenges she faced.

In April 2018, she made her first appearance at the Kenya Secondary Schools National Championships, where Buruburu Girls lost in the semifinals.

Later that year, in August, she attended the Giants of Africa camp, a turning point in her life as Coach Aisha Grey from North Carolina noticed her during an All-Star game.

After the game, Coach Aisha offered Ruthie an opportunity to pursue her education and basketball career in the United States, marking the beginning of her journey abroad.

She secured a full scholarship to Victory Christian Center High School in North Carolina.

Initially, her mother was hesitant to let her go, fearing she was too young, but eventually, she agreed.

The transition to a new culture in the U.S. was challenging for Ruthie, especially with the differences in curriculum, food, and socializing.

As a shy individual, it took her time to adapt to the outgoing nature of her peers in North Carolina. However, her determination and hard work soon paid off.

A year after Ruthie’s arrival in the U.S., her younger sister, Grace Mbugua, joined her in the States after being awarded a full scholarship to Danville Christian Academy.

She transferred to Danville Christian Academy in Kentucky to join her sister. The presence of her sister boosted Ruthie's morale, making her feel more at home, which positively impacted her performance on the court. Ruthie and Grace played together for a year and a half.

As a senior, Ruthie became the captain of her high school basketball team. That year, she averaged 16 points and 16 rebounds per game, leading her team to the state finals, where they emerged victorious.

Ruthie was named the MVP of the state tournament, and she also broke the scoring record for her school. Her leadership on the court translated into her being elected as the student body president.

Interest in Ruthie grew during her senior year of high school, with several colleges recruiting her.

Ultimately, she chose Carson-Newman University in Nashville, Tennessee, because they offered to bring her older sister on board with a scholarship as well.

Ruthie's time at Carson-Newman was successful; she won a tournament championship in her first year and the Mountain Division championship in her second year. Unfortunately, she suffered an injury towards the end of her third season. She later put in a request for a transfer.

Coach Margaret Richards approached Ruthie from Jackson State University (JSU), who convinced her to join their basketball program. Ruthie felt connected to the project at JSU and transferred there in June 2024.

Now a Finance major at Jackson State University in Mississippi, Ruthie continues to pursue her basketball career.

Coming from a sporting family, with her father and sister also playing basketball, Ruthie has always had a strong support system.

Her mother’s advice to put God first and family second has been her guiding mantra. Ruthie's favorite player is Kevin Durant, and she enjoys pasta and chicken Alfredo as her go-to meal. In her free time, she watches the NBA and WNBA.

Ruthie’s ultimate goal is to play professional basketball overseas after completing her university education.

Her message to other young women is to keep working hard, keep showing up, and always believe in themselves, emphasizing the importance of having your own back and keeping your priorities straight.