The San Diego Golden Girls 80+ Basketball team captivates attention. These women embody the enduring spirit of sport, friendship and the power of opportunity.
A women’s 80+ basketball team from San Diego, California, is proving passion knows no age limit. The San Diego Golden Girls redefine athleticism and inspire on and off the court.
Photo courtesy Sakura Bradley.
At the heart of their success is a deep understanding of teamwork. 84-year-old Marilyn Anita Day, known to her team as “Mama Day,” articulated their magic lies in “all togetherness” and communication – “absolutely the key to success.” This isn’t just about shouting plays, it’s about a deep unspoken bond forged through decades of shared passion.
Jeanne Herlihy, celebrating her 85th birthday at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana, stands as a testament to lifelong dedication. She reminisces about starting basketball in the 1950s when rules limited dribbling. Today, she cherishes the camaraderie and mutual support, affirming, “I want to keep going as long as I can.”
For Mama Day, their presence here resonates deeply with the impact of Title IX. She shared that growing up in the “deep Jim Crow South” she experienced minimal opportunities as a girl and person of color. The team’s very participation is a testament to progress, inspiring younger generations to pursue their athletic dreams regardless of background.
Mama Day’s wisdom: “Pay attention, seek out opportunities. Don’t let color, sex or gender stand in your way.” This wisdom extends their legacy beyond the scoreboard.
There’s an intergenerational element too as the Golden Girls have social media support from 21-year-old Sakura Bradley, who describes the players as “just as lively” as she is, seeing “no age gap.” Her mentorship with players highlights mutual learning.
The San Diego Golden Girls are more than a basketball team, they are a vibrant symbol of resilience, female empowerment and the enduring joy of competition. They remind us that age is truly just a number when fueled by passion.
By: Danielle Brown
