Friends of Basketball

Mary Wersells

Year Inducted: 2001

Category: Friends of Basketball

Schools / Organizations: (Chicago) Simeon High School
Chicago Public League Coaches Association

Biography: Mary Wersells began her association with basketball in 1938 as a high school and college student and private school coach in the Boston area. After attending graduate school at Chicago State University, Wersells joined the Chicago Public Schools. She coached track, volleyball and basketball for many years at Simeon High School.  She was actively involved in the Chicago Public League system from 1953 to 1993. She served on the girls’ basketball committee for 15 years and as statistician for the Chicago Public Schools championship. Wersells served as corresponding secretary of the Chicago Public League Coaches Association for many years.  Wersells was a major force in the initial push to obtain girls sports in Illinois high schools. She attended many high school and local area college games in her retirement years. She attended the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament from 1985 through 2001 and she was an avid follower of the Chicago Condors and the Chicago Hustle. Wersells continued to motivate young women in the coaching profession.  Mary Werselis died on June 3, 2021 at the age of 94.