Maricopa Athletes Shine: 1,000 Highlights in Ruiz Sports Videos’ Debut Year

Maricopa is experiencing a surge in youth sports media thanks to Robert Ruiz, a devoted father and educator. What began as a father filming his sons’ flag football games has developed into a community staple, known as Ruiz Sports Videos.

Over the past year, Ruiz has transformed from a casual spectator to a prominent figure in local sports coverage. With over 1,000 highlight reels, he has become a go-to resource for showcasing young athletes, ensuring that local talent receives the recognition it deserves.

Ruiz, a Santa Rosa Springs resident, initially captured games to create lasting memories for his family. “Both my boys play flag football. They’ve been playing for nine seasons,” he explained. That simple request from another parent marked the beginning of a rapid expansion of his services.

Now, the volume of games he covers is impressive. Ruiz has filmed everything from high school competitions to community exhibitions, including the recent Maricopa Police vs. Fire game. His social media presence, particularly on Instagram under @RuizSportsVideos, features a collection of over 1,100 clips highlighting local athletes.

What sets Ruiz apart is his commitment to free coverage. “I love watching athletes play. Maricopa didn’t have a place to highlight its athletes, and there’s so much talent here. They deserve to be seen,” he said, emphasizing his passion for the sport.

His efforts have not gone unnoticed. Local scouts have contacted him regarding clips of female flag football players, resulting in scholarship offers for at least two athletes. Upcoming events, like the Southwest Showdown in Phoenix, have initiated partnerships with Ruiz to further expand his coverage.

Despite the increasing demand for his services, Ruiz manages to film and edit all content himself. “I had no formal training. I started learning just to make my kids’ games look better,” he admitted. His self-taught editing skills now enable him to produce both full-length game footage and highlight reels, creating a valuable resource for players, coaches, and families alike.

The community has responded positively, although Ruiz notes some challenges with negativity, particularly concerning girls’ flag football. “There are always going to be some negative comments,” he remarked, but he values the overwhelming support he receives from the community.

As recognition for his work grows, Ruiz is increasingly approached by community members. “People stop me at Walmart now. It’s a little surreal,” he joked, reflecting on his evolution from a parent to a well-known figure in Maricopa.

Looking forward, Ruiz has ambitious plans for the future. He expects to expand his coverage into neighboring states with new tournament partnerships. Nevertheless, he remains committed to his roots, stating, “This all started here. I’ll always make time for them.”

Currently, Ruiz runs his operation solo, handling everything from filming to social media management. However, he hopes to eventually bring on additional help. “I’d love to make this my full-time gig one day. But until then, I just want to keep showing people that Maricopa athletes are worth watching,” he concluded.

For more information or to connect with Ruiz regarding game coverage, potential clients can find him on Instagram at @RuizSportsVideos.