A standout forward for the Ducks from 2016-2020, Hebard was picked #8 overall in the 2020 WNBA draft and recently won the WNBA Championship with the Chicago Sky in 2021.
Women In Flight sat down with Ruthy and asked about her time at Oregon, her relationship with the program and her thoughts on the “Go Do Anything” campaign.
What did Title IX allow you to accomplish as a collegiate female athlete?
“It just opened a lot of doors for all women athletes and gave us confidence and let us feel more equal to the men in a lot of ways.”
How did the support you received from Women In Flight enhance your student-athlete experience at UO?
“It was really special, even off the court they did little things just for women. We had great guest speakers like Holly Rowe, and other great women – not even athletes, just women in power who would come talk to us and just give us motivation that we can do whatever we want to do.”
What is some advice you can give to current Ducks and female student-athletes at UO?
You can do anything! U of O especially has great resources, so don’t be afraid, don’t be shy – you can do whatever you want in the world.
Knowing what you know now about what people have done to further women’s sports, what would you tell your 10-year-old self?
Just reach for the moon. There are a lot of great female athletes out there that are paving the way for you, that you look up to, that you still look up to, so just follow their lead and you can be great one day.
How does it make you feel that the University of Oregon and Women In Flight are doing something like this in support of women?
“It’s really nice to see the university care for their female athletes and care for females because it shows how powerful we are, and how many people really care. I think being a female athlete at any level, you see the people online, you see the hate. But having a close-knit group, especially at your university, is just really special and brings you even more confidence.”
Do you have any special memories of your college experience with Women In Flight?
When Holly Rowe came and talked to us, it was just really inspiring to hear her story. She shared her ups and downs so it was just nice to be able to see someone you see all the time on TV share a real personal story.
Is there a time where you can recall where you felt like your gender inhibited you from doing something, whether in sport or in life, and thinking back on that memory what is something you would go back and tell yourself?
“I think I’ve been really lucky to have great people around me my whole life who have empowered me. But I think the people who have had that happen, look deep into yourself and be confident and find a great group of people who will support you. It’s kind of who you’re around too, so have people who believe in you and shoot for the stars.”