Nancy Williamson, who has steered the Wellesley Youth Basketball Association (WYBA) for more than ten years, revealed that she will step down from her part‑time director role next year, marking the end of a decade‑long tenure that reshaped the program for players of every skill level.
Joining the WYBA board in 2011 and assuming the director’s post shortly thereafter, Williamson oversaw the merger of the Metrowest and CYO youth basketball entities, expanded the rec program known as Wellesley Hoops, and introduced skills clinics for the youngest participants while strengthening high school connections.
Her behind‑the‑scenes work — organizing playoff schedules, securing court time, recruiting referees, presenting Spirit Awards, and coordinating fundraising clinics — has been described by Glen Magpiong, coach of the Wellesley High School girls’ varsity team, as the "heart and soul" of the association.
Even as she prepares to retire, Williamson will remain involved for the upcoming season to ensure a seamless transition, after which the WYBA board will begin the search for its first new director in over a decade.
Beyond basketball, Williamson’s personal journey — including breast cancer treatment last year — has deepened her commitment to community service, prompting her to take part in her 16th Pan‑Mass Challenge this August to support cancer research.
Her partnership with Babson College during the 2020‑21 COVID‑19 season exemplifies her willingness to collaborate with academic institutions to keep youth programs alive, while her involvement with the Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute underscores a broader dedication to medical causes.
Friends and family recall a cherished moment when her daughter and high school friends coached a Wellesley Hoops team to a semi‑final appearance, a testament to Williamson’s ability to foster shared experiences between the high school and youth programs.
A legacy of inclusion and community
Under Williamson’s leadership, WYBA served more than 1,000 players, 200 coaches and over 20 board members each year, earning a reputation among neighboring towns for its inclusive approach and vibrant Spirit Awards, which she instituted to celebrate participant achievements.
Her relentless work ethic — often logging seven days a week during the fall season — ensured that every stakeholder, from families to referees, received the support they needed, cementing her lasting impact on Wellesley’s basketball landscape.