Bancroft Athletic Hall of Fame
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bancroft School Announces Inaugural Athletic Hall of Fame Class
Worcester, MA – February 25, 2025 – Bancroft School, a member of the Eastern Independent League (EIL) and New England Preparatory School Athletic Council (NEPSAC), is proud to announce the inaugural class of inductees into the Bancroft Athletic Hall of Fame. This distinguished group of athletes and coaches will be formally inducted on Saturday, May 17, at 4:30 PM in the Harrington Theater, as part of the School’s 125th Celebration at Reunion 2025.
The 2025 Bancroft Athletic Hall of Fame Class includes alumni Louisa Gebelein Jones ’74, Tom Magnuson ’06, and legendary coaches Charles Aleksiewicz, Jane Gerhardt, Steve Kelley, and Mark O’Brien. These individuals have made an indelible impact on Bancroft athletics through their dedication, leadership, and outstanding achievements.
Louisa Gebelein Jones ’74 was a highly successful athlete at Bancroft, excelling in field hockey, basketball, and tennis. After Bancroft, she lettered in Tennis, Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field at Ripon College (WI). A lifelong educator, Louisa coached at St. Paul’s School (NH), Cushing Academy (MA), The Asheville School (NC), and Assumption University (MA) and is currently at Pomfret School (CT). She was inducted into the 1991 Ripon College Athletic Hall of Fame and recognized as the CranBerry/College Field Hockey Coaches Association/ AFHCA - 1992 Division 2 National Coach of the Year while at Assumption.
Tom Magnuson ’06 was a three-sport standout, excelling in soccer during the fall, basketball in the winter, and baseball in the spring. He was named EIL Player of the Year in both soccer and basketball, reached the 1,000-point milestone in basketball, and captained all three teams during his senior year. He later continued his athletic career at the United States Naval Academy, competing in crew and rugby, where he earned All-American honors.
Charles Aleksiewicz was a revered coach, Athletic Director, and educator at Bancroft. Known for his leadership in cross country, basketball, baseball, and golf, he was instrumental in shaping student-athletes with a focus on discipline, hard work, and sportsmanship. Over the course of six decades, he helped hundreds of students develop a passion for athletics and achieve personal and team success. He was deeply respected by colleagues and athletes for his unwavering dedication and ability to inspire those around him. In 2003, he founded the Worcester Partnership, which provides a free summer academic and social summer camp for Worcester Public School students on Bancroft’s campus.
Jane Gerhardt a transformative leader in Bancroft athletics, dedicated over 40 years to coaching, teaching, and mentoring student-athletes. She pioneered the school’s girls’ athletic programs, coaching field hockey, basketball, skiing, and softball. She led her teams to Eastern Independent League titles in field hockey and softball while earning multiple EIL Coach of the Year honors. As Assistant Athletic Director and longtime Chair of Physical Education, she helped guide Bancroft into the EIL and, in 1992, led an unprecedented sweep of all league championships. Beyond Athletics, she shaped young athletes as Director of Bancroft Summer Camps and fostered school spirit through pep rallies and traditions.
Steve Kelley, a mainstay on the sidelines of Bancroft athletic events for over 30 years, was an accomplished soccer, basketball, and lacrosse coach and long-time Athletic Director. A 2-time EIL coach of the year, Steve’s girls' soccer teams won multiple EIL titles during his tenure as Head Coach. His 1996 undefeated Girls Soccer team won the NEPSAC Championship. He was known for his ability to bring out the best in his players, pushing them to compete at the highest levels while instilling a love for the game. His impact on Bancroft athletics is still felt today through the countless students he inspired.
Mark O’Brien was a pillar of Bancroft’s Physical Education Department and a dedicated coach in basketball, golf, baseball, and cross-country, inspiring athletes with his knowledge, passion, and commitment. For 31 years, he shaped Bancroft athletics, mentoring student-athletes with enthusiasm and fostering a culture of respect, perseverance, and teamwork. A celebrated EIL Coach of the Year, his impact went beyond wins and losses. Though he passed in 2020, his legacy lives on through a scholarship fund supporting Bancroft student-athletes in need.
Bancroft Athletic Director Garth Adams shared his excitement about the inaugural class: “This is a momentous occasion for Bancroft athletics. These six individuals embody excellence, sportsmanship, and dedication. Their contributions have helped shape our athletic program into what it is today.”
Stephanie Luebbers, Head of School, emphasized the significance of this milestone: “As we celebrate Bancroft’s 125th year, it is fitting to honor those who have elevated our athletic tradition. Their legacy will inspire future generations of Bulldogs.”
The Bancroft Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony will be a highlight of Reunion Weekend, bringing together alumni, families, and the school community to celebrate these extraordinary individuals. Bancroft alumni should be on the lookout for a formal invitation in the coming weeks as all alumni will be invited back for the 125th celebration.
For more information about the event, please contact Bridget Burke, Director of Advancement at advancement@bancroftschool.org.
