Since Nancy Williamson joined the Wellesley Youth Basketball Association (WYBA) board in 2011 and shortly after became director, the organization has evolved, with a primary focus on giving as many kids as possible a chance to learn, play, and even coach.

The 22-year Wellesley resident has let the board know that she will retire from the part-time job next year, but is sticking around for the upcoming season to allow for a smooth transition. The board for the nonprofit organization finds itself in the unfamiliar position of seeking a new director, and that paid contractor will have some Brittney Griner-sized shoes to fill. They’re looking for someone “passionate about youth sports, who enjoys working with volunteers and families, and who takes initiative to get things done.”

Williamson has done all that an more during her tenure, according those who have worked alongside her as administrative and coaching volunteer.

“For as long as I can remember , Nancy has been the heart and soul of WYBA,” says Glen Magpiong, who coaches the Wellesley High School girls’ varsity basketball team. “What has always impressed me most about Nancy is her passion for connecting the Wellesley High School girls’ and boys’ basketball programs with our youth players and her willingness to do whatever was necessary to make those positive shared experiences happen.”

Williamson has made a lasting impact on the coaches, athletes and families in Wellesley, Magpiong says.

An evolving program

Williamson joined the WYBA board as it was combining the Metrowest and CYO youth basketball organizations, providing oversight of programs for kids who just wanted to play as well as those more serious about basketball, with tryouts and travel part of the deal. As the parent of one child who was more of a rec player and another a dedicated travel team player, Williamson says she loved that the organization was able to serve them both so well.

“Wellesley Hoops is the envy of other towns,” Williamson says of the rec program that serves second-to-ninth graders. “Most of our neighboring towns do not have anything like it. To be able to play with and against your classmates is so unique and such fun. Crowds of spectators show up for the playoffs with students cheering for their friends.”

The results have been the product of Williamson working tirelessly for years, with much of that effort happening behind the scenes, says WYBA Board Member Ann Marie Andrews.

WYBA Treasurer Mark Barrett concurs, and adds that Williamson really shines come playoff time.

“Nancy works so hard to organize playoff schedules, court times, refs, trophies and all the things that make this a very exciting week for girls and boys from 4-9th grade and their families,” he says. “On top of all the organization, Nancy is always in the gym cheering on the kids and leading the presentation of the WYBA Spirit Awards to the kids across the program. It’s a great culmination to the season that always fills the gym with kids and families.”

The WYBA has grown to include skills programs for kindergarten and first grade students, leagues for second and third graders, and has strengthened programming for high school students who might play other sports in school. Over the years spring leagues, 3-on-3 tourneys, and other programs have been tried, with some sticking and others not.

“Even during COVID when the schools were closed, we teamed up with a new partner, Babson College, to have some modified programs during the 2020-21 season,” Williamson recalls.

One cherished memory for Williamson was the experience that her daughter and her high school friends had coaching a Wellesley Hoops team. The squad seemed hapless at the start, but the high schoolers were devoted to giving the kids a fun experience, introducing plays with silly names and ensuring all players had an equal chance to contribute.

“It all paid off. The team improved and actually made it to the semi-final game,” she says. “The coaches were trying to get every player to score during that game. One of the coaches called their play ‘squirrel’ and the last girl finally got a basket. Her teammates went wild, celebrating her. They lost the game but the girls were so happy that everyone had made a basket they didn’t seem to care.”

Time for a transition

Last year was challenging for Williamson, who underwent treatment for breast cancer.

“It made me realize how things can just change in an instant,” she says. “My long tenure with WYBA has filled my brain (and laptop) with so many organizational details that I got nervous about what would happen if I couldn’t perform my duties. While the board members have so much knowledge and are in charge of their programs there is A LOT that happens behind the scenes… I would never want to leave WYBA in the lurch.”

Though leaving will give her more time for other interests, including cycling. She’s taking part in her 16th Pan-Mass Challenge in August (see Williamson’s PMC page, which includes more on her story of living with cancer).

“My experience at Dana Farber this past year and all of the federal cutbacks to researchers and labs has made me even more passionate about my support,” she says.

Looking back at her time with the WYBA, Williamson says she is proudest of the customer service she provided.

“I help serve over 1000 players, 200 coaches, 20+ board members each season. I even work with the high school coaches setting up team fundraising clinics and trying to get more kids to attend their games,” Williamson says. ” I try my best to always be responsive and timely to everyone’s needs—even if that means working 7 days a week during the fall.”