KENOSHA, Wis. — The Parkside women's basketball program has announced the establishment of the Parkside Women's Basketball Scholarship, a new endowed scholarship created by program alumnae Cindy Ruffert '85 and Kim Van Deraa '87.

The scholarship is designed to recognize and support a Parkside Women's Basketball student-athlete who embodies two core values at the heart of the program's culture: hustle and character.

"Basketball gave me an opportunity that changed my life, and I'll never forget what it meant to receive a scholarship to play at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside," said Van Deraa. "Cindy and I know firsthand the doors that open when a young woman is given the chance to compete at the next level. Together, we hope this endowed scholarship does for future student-athletes what this game did for us."

Ruffert echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the lasting impact of her own experience.

"The UW-Parkside scholarship I received was instrumental in keeping me in school," said Ruffert. "To be able to give back to a program that shaped my life is very gratifying, and I hope the scholarship has a similar impact on someone else's life like it did mine."

Ruffert, who competed for the Rangers from 1980 to 1984, left a lasting legacy as the program's all-time leader in steals and assists. Van Deraa was also a standout for Parkside from 1982 to 1986, helping shape the foundation of the program during her time on the court.

Together, Ruffert and Van Deraa established the endowed scholarship to honor the values instilled in them during their careers and to ensure those same principles continue to guide and inspire future Rangers.

"This scholarship is a reflection of everything the Parkside women's basketball program stands for," said Head Coach Jen Conely. "We are incredibly grateful to Cindy and Kim for giving back in such a meaningful way and for investing in the next generation of Rangers."

Director of Athletics Adam Schemm '08 also highlighted the broader impact of the gift.

"Cindy and Kim are truly making an impact on the student-athletes that are a part of our women's basketball program with this commitment," said Schemm. "We are honored to continue to have them invest in Coach Conely and the program here at Parkside and hope others will join them in doing the same on Parkside Day."

Supporters are invited to join Ruffert and Van Deraa in contributing to the endowed scholarship on Parkside Day, taking place on April 22.

To make a gift to the Parkside Women's Basketball Scholarship on Parkside Day CLICK HERE.