Pan American Games: Four Beavers, One Culture

LIMA, Peru – Four Oregon State players headed to Lima, Peru for the Pan American Games this week. They all came from different places, representing different nations, but they have one common bond: they were, and always will be, Beavers.

For Ali Gibson, Jamie (Weisner) Scott, Ruth Hamblin and Mikayla Pivec, the Pan Am's represented yet another experience in their storied basketball careers. And none of them would be where they are today without the lessons learned during their time in Corvallis.

"It's a testament to the program," Scott said. "Great players come out of Oregon State. We want to continue to live out our dreams, and for a lot of us that started at Oregon State. It's a lot of fun to see all of the Beavers down here."

Each each of the four players had shining moments in the tournament. All four players scored in double-figures at least once, and Pivec and Gibson both earned medals.

Beyond that, the group got to spend some time together at the Athletes Village. Pivec did not play alongside any of the other three during her time at Oregon State, but that does not mean they did not have a shared bond.

"I really started watching Oregon State Ali's senior season, and then followed Ruth and Jamie's team on their journey to the Final Four," Pivec said. "You hear stories about how far this program has come since Scott first took over, and it's really cool. It's all about the culture and the connections you make. Even though we were never going to be able to play together, Ruth and Jamie both reached out to me and connected as a person. It really shows what the program prides itself on."

As for Gibson, she had some simple advice for Pivec, who is heading into her senior season.

"Soak it in. It's such a unique experience that you get to have," Gibson said. "Give it everything you have on the court, and enjoy every minute of it."

Gibson was one of the key pieces that started a renaissance in the Oregon State women's basketball program. She entered the program based on plan laid out by head coach Scott Rueck, and she was rewarded with a Pac-12 title her senior season. The legacy that Gibson's teams started has continued in the Beavers' current success.

"It was about Scott's vision," Gibson said. "The idea that we could turn things around, and do something that has never been done at Oregon State. That was the competitive attitude I wanted, and I'm excited to see how that has carried on to this day."

That vision was met at Oregon State by Rueck's incredible work ethic. The four-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year has guided the Beavers to six-straight NCAA Tournament appearances, and four consecutive Sweet 16's.

"He's the most dedicated coach out there," Hamblin said. "It's really inspiring, and it makes you want to play harder for him. You see the way he works, and it you think. He sold out for you, and it makes you want to leave it all out there for him."

Rueck's success has been predicated not only on coaching, but also on bringing in the right people. It is about having the right mindset both on and off the court.

"People who come to play at Oregon State love the game, and while you're playing there you learn to love it more," Hamblin said. "It's great to see people continue to play and develop."

That bond between players continues well beyond graduation, as many former Beavers can attest to. But the bond does not just include those on the floor, but the entire Oregon State community as well.

"I'm so thankful to Beaver Nation for the way they have continued to support me, even after I left Corvallis," Hamblin said. "They have had my back every step of the way, and it means a lot to me."

Season tickets for the 2019-20 season at on sale now, and can be purchased here or by calling 541-737-2050.

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Players Mentioned

Ruth Hamblin

Mikayla Pivec

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