Basketball | Freshman | Current Favorite Pump-Up Song: Tie between “Gucci Flip Flops” by Bhad Bhabie and “L.E.S.” by Childish Gambino ruth lanouette (zeta phi-MIT)
What’s your proudest moment or achievement in your sport? My proudest achievement is being named Rookie of the Year in the New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference this season!
Although she considers herself one of the least superstitious athletes on the court, Ruth Lanouette (Zeta Phi-MIT) never skips her two Dutch braids, a signature she wears for every game. “I mostly do it to make it easier for my parents to recognize me when they watch from home,” she says, smiling. That small ritual nods to something bigger: Ruth’s close-knit family has always been at the center of her world. The youngest of three, she grew up moving from Oakland, California, to Devon, Pennsylvania. As the youngest, she was always following in the footsteps of her older siblings, watching, learning and eventually keeping up. Whatever they tried, Ruth followed, throwing herself into nearly every sport they did: soccer, softball and track. When her brother fell in love with basketball, Ruth did too. “My brother and sister are my greatest supporters, and I would not be where I am today academically or athletically without them as role models,” Ruth says. Ruth’s passion for basketball grew alongside her. In high school, she played year-round, balancing basketball with track and field. But athletics were only part of the picture. Academics mattered just as much, and Ruth knew she wanted a rigorous university filled with students who cared deeply about their education. If basketball didn’t fit into that vision, she was prepared to walk away from the game. Then, during her junior year, Massachusetts Institute of Technology came calling, offering her the rare opportunity to pursue both at the highest level.
“MIT really gave me exactly what I was looking for.”
In addition to her demanding workload as a chemical engineering major, Ruth’s basketball schedule is just as intense. She and her teammates practice six days a week, with Sundays reserved for rest and recovery. The team plays about 25 games each season, and Ruth’s family rarely misses one. “My sister comes to all my home games, and my parents often make the six-hour drive from Pennsylvania to MIT just to cheer me on,” Ruth says. “If they can’t be there in person, they’re always watching on TV.” Ruth’s teammates quickly became her inner circle on campus. A fellow freshman is now her best friend, while upperclassmen have taken on a mentorship role, helping rookies navigate both the team and college life. Beyond basketball, Ruth has also found a home in Zeta Phi Chapter. During recruitment, Alpha Phi stood out for its authenticity. The members felt genuine and welcoming, she recalls, creating an environment where she felt supported regardless of her decision. Since joining, her sisters offer a much-needed reprieve from the demands of being a student- athlete and a steady source of support when academics become overwhelming. “Having them has made my transition to MIT so much easier and less stressful. No matter what I’m facing, I know I have people who’ve been through it and are there to help me through it too.” Whether she’s on or off the court, Ruth’s story is ultimately rooted in one constant: success means little without the community that makes it possible.
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