Nicole “Sis” Bates talked about the importance of raising awareness around women’s health initiatives during a recent interview with global life sciences and healthcare company Labcorp.

The 2016 Ceres High School grad/three-time NCAA Division-I All-American middle infielder with the University of Washington/Athletes Unlimited Softball League standout opened up about how she’s been personally impacted as her mother Michelle Hedden was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer in 2025.

“I’d really encourage anybody, if you feel something is off, please go get it checked,” Bates said. “There’s no harm in just finding out.”

Selected to play in the AUSL All-Star Cup Aug. 8-30 in Illinois, Bates ended her first season with AUSL expansion team Portland Cascade early to spend more time with her mom.

“I’m trying to navigate it the best that I can,” she said. “Knowing that there is a greater meaning to this, I hope our story can help others. I hope, somehow, we can find a positive through this.”

Bates found out about her mother’s diagnosis in February of 2025.

Michelle was diagnosed with ovarian cancer not too long after complaining of abdominal pain.

Doctors found tumors.

Michelle endured multiple rounds of chemotherapy.

“There’s nothing that can prepare you for it,” Bates said.

“I love my mom so much,” she added. “We both try to protect each other. We don’t always talk about it. Our main goal is I’m trying to protect her and she’s trying to protect me.”

Known for her radiant personality on and off the field, Bates talked about the challenges of navigating daily life since her mom’s diagnosis.

Understandably, Bates has struggled mentally and emotionally. She works out and communicates with loved ones when she feels overwhelmed.

Bates celebrated a major milestone in her life by marrying her partner Jamal Bey in front of family and friends on Sept. 19.

Michelle also watched her son Jimmy get married to his fiancée Cassie Klinkhammer on May 16.

“I’m someone that is constantly trying to pour joy into others,” Bates said. “This stuff is really hard. Have your people that you can lean on so you can be the best version of yourself for the person that you are caring for.”

Already super close, Bates and her mother developed an even deeper bond over the past 18 months.

“My mom is my biggest fan,” Sis said. “And I’m hers. We have been best friends since I can remember. She’s the strongest and most beautiful woman in the whole wide world.”

Bates’ softball journey started at the age of six.

Michelle played a vital role as Sis ascended to heights only a small percentage reach.

She was one of Bates’ first coaches.

Sis considered quitting softball during her sophomore year at Ceres High after losing her passion for the game.

She decided to continue her journey after seeking advice from her parents and travel coach.

“She’s been there for every single part of my journey,” Bates said.

For the longest time, Bates relied on her mom for support while she chased her dream of playing softball at the highest levels.

Michelle’s cancer diagnosis created a sudden role reversal.

“I feel really grateful that all the love she’s poured into me for the last 28 years, I’m like being able to reciprocate that to her,” Bates stated during an interview with MLB.com on June 14. “I couldn’t imagine anything else than to be with her right now all the time.”

On Sunday, Bates shared a post on Instagram notifying loved ones and the community of Michelle’s passing.

“In true mom fashion, she asked us to not hold a service,” Bates said. “Instead we feel the best way to honor her is through sharing your favorite memory or impact that she made on you. Jimmy and I will be making a scrap book to cherish these memories and to one day show our kids how impactful their grandmother was on others.”

Bates completed her sixth season of pro softball this past summer.

A newcomer with the Cascade, Bates batted .262 from the plate with two triples, one double, two RBIs, 13 runs and three stolen bases in 18 regular-season games.

She tied for second in the league in triples.

Bates made two errors and turned three double plays on defense.

Portland placed third with a 14-11 record in the AUSL standings.

“It’s pretty special to be in a space where I can help the sport grow and pave the way for young women,” Bates said.

Bates became a three-time NCAA Division-I All-American with the University of Washington prior to becoming a professional softball player.

She has represented the U.S. Women’s National Softball Team on the international stage in Italy, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Canada, Australia, Ireland and Japan.

Raised in Ceres, Bates attended Carroll Fowler Elementary School, Mae Hensley Jr. High and Ceres High School.