Ryan Ruocco never imagined how significant calling WNBA games would be when the opportunity came over a decade ago. But once he stepped into the role, he instantly recognized its potential.
“It’s amazing. One of the things I realized very quickly was that it was special,” Ruocco shared on the latest episode of Short and to the Point. “When I was first asked to do it in 2013 — or maybe it was December of 2012 — I didn’t understand that it was a big deal or an exciting opportunity. I was already calling NBA games for the Nets, so it was kind of like, ‘OK, should I do this?’”
Ruocco was struck by the high level of basketball, the seamless collaboration with colleagues Holly Rowe and Rebecca Lobo, and the accessibility of the players.
“I fell in love with it early on,” he recalled. “When you first start, you don’t necessarily think, ‘I’m going to do this for 12 years — hopefully much longer.’ You just know you love it and want to keep doing something you enjoy. I could see there was something special there.”
How Caitlin Clark Fueled the WNBA’s Surge
Ruocco credited Caitlin Clark for helping propel women’s basketball from a growing passion to a full-blown phenomenon.
“Getting to witness her unique, dynamic stardom at the college level and seeing how it carried over to the pros — she’s a supernova like we’ve never seen before,” Ruocco said. “I’m so grateful that I get to help document her career. It comes at a time when women’s basketball was ready for this pop. She’s the star they needed to take it to the top.”
Clark made waves in the basketball world after being named National Player of the Year at the University of Iowa. She quickly transitioned to the professional stage, earning Rookie of the Year honors after being drafted by the Indiana Fever.
Her star power skyrocketed, earning her Time’s Athlete of the Year, lucrative endorsements, and even capturing the attention of casual sports fans.
The Unique Spirit of Women’s Basketball
Ruocco also reflected on the welcoming and supportive environment within women’s basketball that continues to inspire him.
“This is a special community to be a part of,” he said. “There is a connectivity and togetherness among everyone covering, coaching, and playing women’s basketball that’s different from other sports.”
