January 8, 2025
Locked On Women’s Basketball: Oregon State head coach Scott Rueck
By The Next
Rueck: 'I’ve never shied away from a challenge'
Scott Rueck of Oregon State keeps on doing what he’s done for nearly three decades now — coach and teach. He did it at Division III George Fox, he did it at his alma mater — Oregon State, during the Beavers’ time in the Pac-12 — and he’s doing it in a period of transition with the WCC, Oregon State’s temporary home. Amid all the changes for college basketball, Scott Rueck is the constant. On Wednesday’s episode of Locked On Women’s Basketball, he shares his path with host Howard Megdal.
Continue reading with a subscription to The Next
Get unlimited access to women’s basketball coverage and help support our hardworking staff of writers, editors, and photographers by subscribing today.
Already a member?
Login
Want even more women’s sports in your inbox?
Subscribe now to our sister publication The IX and receive our independent women’s sports newsletter six days a week. Learn more about your favorite athletes and teams around the world competing in soccer, tennis, basketball, golf, hockey and gymnastics from our incredible team of writers.
Readers of The Next now save 50% on their subscription to The IX.
On the podcast, Rueck reflects on his journey in coaching, starting from his early days in the women’s game at the small college level to his current role at Oregon State. He emphasizes how the core of his mission—helping people grow and develop—has remained constant throughout his career, despite the challenges that have arisen. “This is really just helping people grow, develop and provide them opportunities to become the very best version of themselves,” Rueck explains.
Rueck’s connection to Oregon State is deeply personal, as it’s both his alma mater and a place where he has built lasting relationships. His local roots make his work even more meaningful, as family, friends, and local fans have followed his career from his days coaching at George Fox University to his current success with the Beavers.
Despite the significant challenges faced by the program, including player transfers and the shifting landscape of college athletics, Rueck remains undeterred. He highlights how transitions, like moving from George Fox to Oregon State and now navigating changes in conference affiliation, have always been opportunities to prove doubters wrong. “I’ve never shied away from a challenge,” he says.
Add Locked On Women’s Basketball to your daily routine
Here at The Next, in addition to the 24/7/365 written content our staff provides, we also host the daily Locked On Women’s Basketball podcast. Join us Monday through Saturday each week as we discuss all things WNBA, collegiate basketball, basketball history and much more. Listen wherever you find podcasts or watch on YouTube.
