High School Sweethearts Expecting Their First Child Are Using ‘Maternity Madness’ Bracket to Choose Daughter’s Name

A couple from South Florida is adding a unique twist to their impending parenthood by allowing the outcome of this year’s NCAA March Madness tournament to decide their baby girl’s name. John and Maria Ruiz, who have been together since their teenage years, have incorporated their shared passion for college basketball into a fun and heartfelt tradition.

The couple’s affection for the sport deepened during their college years, particularly after Maria attended the University of North Carolina (UNC), a renowned basketball institution. John explained to CBS Miami that their bond was strengthened through this shared enthusiasm. They even began a tradition of visiting the campuses of the Final Four teams, which has seen them travel to notable schools such as UConn, Duke, and Virginia. A highlight of their adventures was witnessing UNC clinch the national championship in 2017, an experience that captivated them both.

In light of their growing family, John and Maria decided to associate their top name choices with the 64 teams competing in the men’s basketball tournament. They have allocated their preferred names based on the teams’ likelihood of progressing through the competition—whatever the outcome, the couple is committed to accepting the name determined by the tournament, regardless of their personal biases. This year has brought an interesting challenge; with Duke, UNC’s historic rival, holding a number one seed, the couple has decided that if Duke triumphs, their daughter’s name will be Sophia.

Regular updates on their quirky naming venture have been shared with family and friends via Instagram. The Ruiz couple cleverly crafted a “Maternity Madness” bracket, made from blue masking tape, which now decorates their living room wall. As the tournament progresses, they keep followers engaged with the results. As of now, only 16 teams remain, and John recently revealed that out of their top four name choices, only Olivia has fallen from contention, giving way to Iowa’s second-round victory over defending champion Florida.

Some previous name contenders, such as naming their child after popular fictional characters like Hermione and Khaleesi, have also been eliminated from the list. This reflection demonstrates how much the naming process has evolved into an event in its own right, rooted in the couple’s adoration for the sport.

Despite the pressures and unpredictability that come along with this unconventional choice, the couple is predominantly excited about integrating basketball into their daughter’s life. They are keen to pass down their love for the sport, so much so that John expressed confidence that their daughter would naturally become infatuated with basketball due to their family traditions.

Reflecting on their journey as they await their baby’s arrival, John and Maria Ruiz have taken the approach of blending love, legacy, and sport to create a memorable experience. They hope to inspire a sense of community and connection, not just within their family, but among their friends and followers as they share this remarkable experience.

Regardless of the eventual name chosen for their daughter, it is clear that this South Florida couple’s determination to incorporate their passion for basketball into their child’s identity is a testament to their vibrant relationship and shared interests. Their unique approach to naming their child will undoubtedly be a cherished story for years to come, as they celebrate the intersection of family and their beloved basketball tradition.