The girls’ basketball city championship game was more than just a showcase of the city’s top girls basketball teams, however. It was also a time to honor legendary Marshall coach Dorothy Gaters.
“This was simply amazing,” she said.
During halftime of the varsity title game, Chicago Public Schools and the entire city, including the mayor, honored Gaters with a celebration, plaque and a video with statements from all different people in the girls basketball community, ranging from former players, to Mayor Lori Lightfoot to DePaul women’s basketball coach, Doug Bruno.
“Dorothy Gaters was coaching when I played and to be able to circle back and see her get this award and for us to win the city championship, especially coming off of a Covid season, it’s absolutely unbelievable,” Harper said.
“Dorothy Gaters was a legend before I picked up a basketball and I’m 48 years old,” Lewis said. “Her contribution to the game of basketball, to Chicago basketball, to basketball in Illinois, there are not enough words. She put girls basketball on the map and was a pioneer and trailblazer for the sport. I’m just trying to help move it along as I can.”
One thing stood out to Gaters throughout her entire career: the kids.
“Coaching to me was just fun and to the kids that started off our program, we were just having fun,” she said. “I had great players. I was just a student of basketball and once I got into it, I was like a sponge. Always learning, always at clinics, going to practice was just fun.
“We didn’t wanna lose, we had great talent, so why not us?”
Full Dorothy Gaters Tribute Video Can Be Viewed Below!
