Berks Bests: Hannah Racis Made Space for Dominance in Two Sports at Conrad Weiser

Editor's Note: This story is part of Berks Bests, a summer series spotlighting the all-time leading scorers from Berks County girls basketball programs. Throughout the summer, we'll revisit some of the greatest careers in local basketball history and catch up with the players who left their mark on their schools and communities.

Hannah Racis' top sport wasn't basketball. She still put together a record-setting tenure on the hardwood at Conrad Weiser.

Hannah Racis at Conrad Weiser. (Photo courtesy of Hannah Racis)

After a high school basketball career that ended with a program-record in points scored, Racis moved on to continue a standout soccer career at Saint Joseph's University in Philly.

Whether she was dribbling a soccer ball or basketball, Racis made her mark and finished with storied careers in both sports.

Racis scored 87 career goals for the Scouts and tacked on 1,241 points on the hardwood before continuing her soccer career in college.

"Honestly, no," Racis said about rising in the Scouts' basketball leaderboard. "When I first started playing, my focus was always on improving, helping the team win, and competing every day. I never went into high school thinking about records or individual accomplishments. Looking back, it's certainly something I'm proud of, but it was really a byproduct of having great teammates, supportive coaches, and being fortunate enough to play a lot of basketball over those four years."

Racis (No. 24) celebrates with teammates after a PIAA Class 3A second-round victory over Bethlehem Catholic. (Photo courtesy of Hannah Racis)

By the time her career ended in 2015, Racis had become the first Conrad Weiser girls basketball player to score more than 1,200 career points. Her 1,241 points rank 70th in Berks County history, just behind Daniel Boone's Jill Zuber (Bossler)'s 1,243 and ahead of Holy Name's Karen Yeasted's 1,236.

More importantly, Racis helped elevate Conrad Weiser girls basketball's team success to new heights.

The Scouts qualified for the District 3 playoffs each year during her tenure, culminating in a championship appearance in her senior season. Weiser qualified for states for the first time in 16 seasons that year and made the most of it, running all the way to the PIAA semifinals before falling 56-46 to Archbishop Wood.

It's still the furthest the Scouts have ever made it in the state tournament and only the third time they had qualified for the tournament. They qualified for the state tournament again the next season after she graduated and then again in 2025.

Hannah Racis gears up to shoot a free throw. (Photo courtesy of Hannah Racis)

"A few moments that stand out are hitting a last second layup to beat Governor Mifflin, making our way through the state tournament for the first time, playing in the district championship at Hershey's Giant Center, and reaching the 1,000 point milestone during an away game at Twin Valley. While scoring 1,000 points was certainly a special personal accomplishment, what made it meaningful was being able to celebrate it with my teammates, coaches, family, and friends who had supported me along the way."

The wins and milestones stand out, but Racis said it is the everyday moments that have stayed with her the longest.

"Some of my favorite memories are actually the moments off the court: team dinners, sleepovers, bus rides, and even our postgame locker room dance-offs that included the coaches. Those moments helped create such a close-knit team environment and made coming to practice and games something we all looked forward to."

Those relationships, she said, were a big reason behind the team's success and her own.

"Basketball was always fun for me, and I think that's a big reason why I enjoyed so much success," Racis said. "My teammates and I were always on the same page when it came to working hard, competing, and doing whatever it took to win. There was a special feeling knowing that everyone around you was committed to the same goals, both on and off the court. We pushed each other to be better every day, and those relationships made the experience even more meaningful. I'm still very close friends with many of those teammates today, which is something I really value."

Hannah Racis driving to the basket. (Photo courtesy of Hannah Racis)

Following graduation, Racis shifted her athletic focus exclusively to soccer. She appeared in 40 career matches for the Hawks, totaling 11 goals, six assists and three game-winning goals. Today, Racis has traded playing sports to helping those who might be doing the same in Baltimore, Maryland.

"Today I'm working as a physician assistant specializing in orthopedic surgery," she said recently to BGB. "It's a career that combines my interest in medicine with my lifelong passion for sports and helping people return to the activities they enjoy. Outside of work, I'm focused on family, friends, staying active, and keeping up with our energetic puppy, who certainly keeps my husband and me busy. Sports continue to be a big part of my life, just from a different perspective now."

Although her playing days are behind her, Racis still enjoys following Conrad Weiser athletics and Berks County basketball.

"I try my best to keep up with Conrad Weiser athletics and Berks County sports whenever I can," she said. "I still have family and friends in the area, which helps me stay connected to what's going on. One of my best friends and former basketball teammates is a teacher in the district and has helped coach over the years, so it's always nice hearing updates and following the success of current student athletes. There has always been a lot of support for local sports in the area, and it's fun to see the next generation of athletes creating their own memories and accomplishments."

More than a decade after graduating, Racis still holds Conrad Weiser's all-time scoring record. When she reflects on her career, it isn't the points that come to mind first.

"More than any single game or accomplishment, the biggest impact came from being surrounded by teammates, coaches, and families who valued hard work, accountability, and supporting one another," she said. "Those lessons and relationships have stayed with me long after my playing days ended and are still something I carry with me today."

For a player whose future ultimately belonged on the soccer field, Racis left an equally lasting legacy on the basketball court — one built not only on points, but on teamwork, friendships and one of the most successful basketball eras in Conrad Weiser girls basketball history.