85-year-old Dona Ruth honoured with starting serve in Brazil

A very special player was in action in the second round of the Brazilian Women’s Superliga B (the country’s second division) this past weekend. Aged 85, Ruth Mosimann Hoffmann was signed by Moda Brusque Volei as a tribute to her longtime relationship with the sport and was honoured with the starting serve of the team’s match on Friday against in-state rivals Bluvolei.

Affectionately called “Dona Ruth”, she was a professional player between the 1950s and 1970s, and won the Santa Catarina State Championship 15 times. Dona Ruth was called up to the Brazilian national team back in 1962, but couldn’t play as she was pregnant with her first daughter.

She remains active in the sport following the end of her playing career and has been competing in Masters tournaments for three decades now. Dona Ruth is also one of the most iconic supporters of Moda Brusque, another reason why the club decided to honour her.

“It was a really emotional moment,” she said. “I had never felt anything like that. It was a mix of joy, happiness and gratefulness for being honoured by the club. I wish we had won that point, so I would have been able to serve again, but I really can’t complain. After I left the court, I could only thank the people and they all wanted to take pictures with me. I just wish my family and friends were all here as it was one of the most special moments of my life. To be part of the sport in any capacity has always been one of the most pleasant things in my life.”

Dona Ruth’s presence brought good luck to Moda Brusque as the team, who have Beijing 2008 Olympic champion Welissa ‘Sassa’ Gonzaga on their roster, ended up winning the match 3-2. But regardless of the final score, it was always going to be a night to remember for the club and the city.

“Brusque is a city that breathes volleyball. And that is because of people like Dona Ruth, who were pioneers in the sport and built a legacy,” said head coach Mauricio Thomas, who led Brazil to three Youth world titles between 2005 and 2009. “A tribute like this highlights the true spirit of sport and is also aligned with our goals at Moda Brusque – we want to win tournaments, but being loyal to our roots.”