Candace Bates '00

Candace Bates, Class of 2000, was one of the most accomplished female athletes in Poland High School history, excelling in basketball, soccer, and track & field. A three-sport athlete, she became Poland's all-time leading scorer in girls' basketball, finishing her career with 1,269 points.

During her four-year basketball career, Candace averaged 17 points, 6 assists, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals per game. She helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to an outstanding 86–13 record, capturing four MAC Championships, four District Championships, three Sectional Championships, two Regional Championships, and making two State Semifinal appearances. Individually, she earned Ohio All-State First Team honors along with First Team All-MAC and First Team All-NEO recognition.

In addition to basketball, Candace earned two varsity letters in soccer and also lettered in track & field, showcasing her versatility as a multi-sport athlete.

Following high school, Candace received a four-year basketball scholarship to Ohio University, where she finished her career as the Bobcats' second all-time leader in three-point field goals made (153). She also became the 11th player in Ohio University history to score more than 1,000 career points. She graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Interactive Multimedia and a specialization in Business.

Candace's remarkable high school and collegiate achievements earned her induction into the Poland Hall of Fame.