LYNN — When Jessica Ruiz first stepped on the basketball court at English her freshman year, she didn’t have much experience with the game. But what she lacked in experience she made up for with hard work — quickly becoming a dependable forward for a Bulldogs team that qualified for two straight Division 1 state tournaments in her junior and senior years.
Now the journey continues for Ruiz as she commits to continue her education and basketball career at Plymouth State University.
“It was a difficult path,” Ruiz said. “Just because I didn’t even play basketball before I started playing freshman year. Now to be going to college, it’s a great opportunity. I would have never seen that coming, that I would get the chance to play college basketball or that I’d even be going to college in general.”
Ruiz had to learn plenty in her years as a Bulldog to get to this point, something she couldn’t have done without English coach Mackenzie Charles and his staff and her fellow Bulldog teammates.
“It was hard,” Ruiz said. “It was a learning experience and I had so much to learn. Coach Mac made things easier. He really guided me, He was like a mentor to me, guiding me through so many things. And that goes the same for my teammates.”
For Charles, seeing a person like Ruiz come through the program is exactly what makes coaching worth it beyond the X’s and O’s.
“Her story is amazing,” Charles said. “To know that kid is going anywhere from where she started is amazing. As a coach, we always want to see a player maximize their potential academically and athletically. Jessica did that.
“And she still has so much more to learn,” Charles added. “It’s been great to see her grow over the years. She came in with no aspirations. She tried basketball and then it turned out well for her. That’s why we coach. Especially coaches in this area, it’s different. We see challenges a lot of other coaches don’t know about. It keeps you motivated.”
When it came to Plymouth State, joining the Panthers was a perfect fit for Ruiz, who is still undecided on a major while she looks over everything the school has to offer.
“I was able to visit the school, meet the team, meet all the individuals and spend the night before my decision,” Ruiz said. “It’s a great fit. It’s not too big, it’s not too small and I’m excited to be going there.”
Charles saw Ruiz overcome plenty of obstacles throughout the years at English and he expects that to continue as she begins her next chapter on and off the court.
“I think she’s going to do great,” Charles said. “She may need some time to adapt to the speed of the college game and she still needs that experience. But she’s in an environment where she’s wanted and she can succeed. Education is so important and she’s in a good situation.
“Kids from this city have to adapt their whole lives to different struggles. Jessica has persevered and adapted her whole life and I’m sure that will continue to help her.”
