Nicole “Sis” Bates used the words blessed and thankful to describe how she’s feeling these days.
The 2016 Ceres High School grad/three-time All-American shortstop with the University of Washington was named to the U.S. Women’s National Softball Team on Thursday.
On Friday, Adidas released Bates’ signature “Remember to Have Fun” softball cleats.
“I certainly never dreamed this big,” said Bates, 25. “It’s pretty surreal. It’s all happened so quickly. I’m really grateful. It still doesn’t feel real. Lots of hard work and sacrifices have led to these moments. I wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for my family and the people who paved the way before me. My brother Jim is my biggest role model in my life. I’m proud of all of his success. He’s deserved everything he’s gotten.”
Adizero PureHustle 3 Sis Bates Cleats can be purchased on the Adidas and Dick’s Sporting Goods websites.
The cleats are available in women’s sizes ranging from 6-13 and children sizes ranging from 1-6.
The product description reads: No one embodies hustle like Sis Bates. Whether it’s legging out the extra base or diving to turn the double play, she makes the impossible seem possible while rocking a smile on her face. These Adidas softball cleats have Lightstrike cushioning to give you a soft and responsive step through every inning. Metallic fleck details throughout the upper give it a shimmery glow, while a message on the outsole reminds you to have fun playing the game you love.
“It’s bigger than just Sis,” father John Bates said. “If this goes well, others will have the same opportunity.”
“I think it’s awesome,” stated Mike Corsaut, Bates’ assistant coach freshman year at Ceres High and U.S. History teacher in the eighth grade at Mae Hensley Jr. High. “Adidas believes in her and what she brings to the sport. She loves softball. She always has a smile on her face. She plays the game the right way. She always has.”
“I anticipate a lot of girls wearing them,” said Ceres High junior-varsity/Ceres Sizzle 16-and-under travel softball head coach Nikole Ferrel. “All these girls in this area have somebody to look up to. I like her message, too. Parents forget children should have fun playing. You can clearly tell she’s having fun while she’s playing. She’s always smiling.”
“I look up to her and watch her film,” said Amaia Ferrel, who started at second base on Ceres High’s JV Western Athletic Conference championship team this past spring. “Her cleats are really cute.”
“Gratitude is my No. 1 thing right now,” Sis Bates added. “I feel so blessed. It’s pretty special to be in a space where I can help the sport grow and pave the way for young women. I’m thankful for people like Victoria Hayward who paved the way for me. I wanted to go to the University of Washington because she went there.”
Bates helped design her newly-released cleats, which included selecting style, colorway and personal touches.
Her mantra, “Remember to Have Fun,” is inscribed on the left insoles and the back of each cleat.
Bates’ facsimile autograph decorates the right insoles.
Adidas also made sure to incorporate smiley-face logos into the design as Bates radiates positivity on and off the field.
“We’ve been meeting for over a year to create what we wanted,” she said. “Creating a cleat for a young softball player was really special to be a part of. It’s something I’m super passionate about.”
Bates signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Adidas in February of 2022.
She also endorses products with a handful of other companies, including Wilson and Demarini.
Wilson started selling the 2023 Sis Bates A2000 SB22 11.75” Fastpich Infield Glove on its website on Jan. 18.
Bates’ customized glove can also be purchased on the Dick’s Sporting Goods website.
“It’s amazing amongst all of the great athletes, she’s one of the few that has her own signature line to buy,” John Bates said. “It’s beyond humbling. It’s always blindsided me when these great things happen. I couldn’t have dreamt it even better. It’s been a great ride.”
Bates will represent Team USA at the 2023 Pan American Games, to be held Oct. 29- Nov. 4 in Chile. A total of 16 players earned roster spots.
“It’s really special,” she said. “I feel super grateful to represent our country and compete for something bigger than ourselves. It’s a pretty amazing opportunity.”
Bates has competed on the international stage before.
She helped Team USA punch its ticket to the 2024 WBSC World Cup Finals this summer.
Bates batted .571 (4-for-7) from the plate with one double, three RBIs, one run and one walk as the Red, White and Blue won all four of its games in Group A play, which was staged July 11-15 in Ireland.
Bates made her debut with the U.S. Women’s National Softball Team at the 2022 Pan American Championship in Guatemala City.
She hit .500 (13-for-26) with one home run, two triples, three doubles, nine RBIs and 13 runs as the Americans claimed the gold medal at the Nov. 12-19 event.
Bates suited up for the U.S. Women’s Junior National Softball Team in 2017.
Bates was a four-year standout at Ceres High School.
She was voted 2016 Cal-Hi Sports Ms. Softball State and Medium Schools Player of the Year.
The two-time FloSoftball First-Team All-American was selected to the Cal-Hi Sports All-State Super Elite First Team and All-State Medium Schools First Team.
She also participated in the Premier Girls Fastpitch (PGF) High School All-American Game.
Led by Bates, Ceres High collected 85 wins, claimed one Sac-Joaquin Section championship, captured three Western Athletic Conference crowns and appeared in the playoffs four times.
