Gabriela Ruffels, reigning U.S. Women’s Amateur champ
Ruffels’ past year is particularly remarkable when you consider that she had focused on tennis, the sport her parents played, until her early teens. Her growth has been rapid since. In winning the North & South Women’s Amateur then the U.S. Women’s Amateur in a span of four weeks, Ruffels charged victoriously through 11 head-to-head matches.
Ruffels is a junior at USC, surrounded by accomplished teammates and a savvy coach in Justin Silverstein. In that environment, her upward trend should continue and that’s a major reason she graces this list. Also consider the opportunities Ruffels will be afforded thanks to her U.S. Women’s Amateur victory, namely the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, U.S. Women’s Open and Women’s British Open.
Those closest to her, like Silverstein and older brother Ryan Ruffels, who plays professionally, praise her intense work ethic.
“She’s one of the hardest working girls I know,” big brother said.