Nicole “Sis” Bates experienced a full-circle moment when returning to her hometown of Ceres this past month.
The 2016 Ceres High School grad/current U.S Women’s National Softball Team player/Athletes Unlimited professional athlete shared her love and knowledge of the game on fields she played on during her childhood.
The Sis Bates Skills Camp was staged from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the George Costa Ball Field Complex on Dec. 21.
“I haven’t been back to the fields in a while,” said 26-year-old Bates, who attended Carroll Fowler Elementary, Mae Hensley Jr. High and Ceres High School. “As I walked up, it felt super surreal. I’m happy to be here. It makes me tear up thinking this is where it started for me and now I get to give back to my community.”
“She played on these fields,” mother Michelle Hedden stated. “She literally grew up here. Watching her do her thing today, you get choked up. It’s amazing.”
“She never dreamed of this moment,” father John Bates added. “She thought the biggest stage was getting to college. She gets to make a living playing softball and it’s taken her all over the world.”
Gianna Washington (12), Lauren Jeffery (12), Caitlyn Donis (12) and Alexia Lopez (8) were among the 51 participants.
Washington, Jeffery, Donis and Lopez reside in North Natomas, West Sacramento, Brentwood and Ceres, respectively.
Washington turned 12 the day of the camp.
“It’s the best birthday gift I have ever received,” she said.
“I came here because I heard about Sis Bates before and she’s an amazing person and player,” Jeffery added.
Washington was all smiles while talking about her favorite player.
“Sis Bates is my idol,” she said. “I also play shortstop. I enjoy watching her and trying to do what she does.”
“I’m excited and happy,” said Lopez, who played for the Ceres Sizzle eight-and-under travel softball team this past summer.
“My hope is they see there are possibilities to follow their dreams and see anything is attainable if you work hard,” Bates stated.
The camp consisted of two sessions.
The junior session (ages 7-12) ran from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The high-school session (ages 13-18) ran from 1-3 p.m.
Bates provided instruction with assistance from Central Valley High School’s coaching staff, Hawk alumnus Julia Roton, former Ceres High School softball leader Mike Corsaut and UC Berkeley player Miranda Temple.
“Corsaut coached me,” Bates said. “Now, he’s here.”
“It’s so cool seeing what she’s doing,” Corsaut added.
Bates answered questions and signed autographs during a 12-1 p.m. meet-and-greet session.
The Sis Bates Skills Camp wouldn’t have come to fruition without help from her parents, Central Valley High School, Ceres Youth Baseball & Softball Organization, and the city of Ceres.
The camp was staged on two different fields.
Batting cages were also used.
Proceeds from the camp will cover the cost of new uniforms for Central Valley High School’s softball team, which is coached by Nicole’s brother Jimmy Bates.
“There was a very good vibe around the ballpark all day long,” Jimmy said. “Everybody had a good time. The coolest part was seeing the girls ask her (Sis) about her experiences.”
