A basketball court at Greenwood Park is getting named for Nancy Mayer Bates, honoring a Worcester native whose accomplishments stretched from the basketball courts of South High School and the University of Virginia to a three-decade career educating students in her hometown.
The city dedicates the Nancy Mayer Bates Court at Greenwood Park, 14 Forsberg St., at 11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 19, according to an announcement from Mayor Joseph M. Petty’s office. The event is open to the public.
Bates grew up in Worcester and established herself as one of South High School’s most accomplished athletes, earning All-American recognition and ranking among the nation’s top basketball players, according to the city.
She went on to play women’s basketball at the University of Virginia, where she became a two-time team captain and consistently ranked among the Atlantic Coast Conference’s top players during her four seasons.
Her collegiate career ultimately earned her recognition as an ACC All-Time Basketball Legend.
But Bates’ connection to Worcester extended well beyond basketball.
After graduating from college, she returned to the city and spent the next three decades working in public education at North High School.
The city said the court dedication is intended to recognize both sides of Bates’ legacy — her achievements as a trailblazing athlete and her decades of work with Worcester students.
“Her influence in Worcester classrooms has proven just as meaningful as her accomplishments on the basketball court,” the mayor’s office said in its announcement.
City leaders and members of the community are expected to take part in the Sept. 19 dedication.
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