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

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The Colorado Peaches softball team hails from Denver and claims to be the oldest softball team in the country. Their matriarch and oldest player, Barbara Johnson, is the heartbeat of the team.

After a quick rain delay, the Colorado Peaches, who claim to be the oldest Softball team in the nation, took to the diamond at the Hy-Vee Multiplex in Grimes, Iowa. First at bat was the oldest player, 91-year-old Barbara Johnson, sporting some peachy-pink shoes to match the theme of her jersey. As the oldest player, Barbara has taken a maternal role on the team, even playing alongside two of her daughters. As Barbara swung her bat, the team cheered her on with encouraging shouts of “Come on, Mom!” 

Blood-related or otherwise, Barbara is “Mom” to everyone.

“My teammates all call me mom. I don’t think some of them even know my first name,” laughed Barbara. She has been playing for the Colorado Peaches for four years but is no stranger to softball. When she was younger, she played on a team and then went on to coach. Now, she finds herself at the National Senior Games and absolutely loves that she can still play.

The Colorado Peaches team was founded over 30 years ago to fill the void of softball for older women in the area. The team champions their mission of inclusivity and unwavering commitment to physical activity by competing in the Senior Games.

Being the oldest in the nation comes with some unique challenges. At their age division, it is difficult to find other teams to play against. “Most of the time we go to a tournament, we have trouble finding competitors in our age group. It is harder since our opponents are often younger,” said Barbara. However, this has strengthened their team, making them used to opponents that may be a bit tougher.

Barbara’s favorite part about playing on the team is her teammates! “The Colorado Peaches is a wonderful group of ladies. They love softball and they make it fun,” she said. The Denver native has loved her time in Des Moines and is excited to be able to play against people from across the country.

By: Sydney Parker

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The field portion of Track & Field is often overlooked. Explore the intricacies of discus throwing with gold medalist Hilary Goerge and the meaning of strength with thrower Lisa Shahade.

Hilary Goerge shook his head in disappointment as his second-to-last throw in the men’s 75-79 Discus final landed out of bounds. All eyes were on the 77-year-old, who led the pack of 16 athletes throughout the competition, as he stepped back up for his final throw minutes later.  

Hilary Goerge winds up for a throw.

Hilary launched the implement and landed his best throw of the day – and the entire year. 

Discus is a highly technical event that requires precision, coordination and strength. Athletes stand in a throwing circle surrounded by a net, then spin one and a half times to build power before throwing the disc as far as possible within a defined area. Even experienced throwers continually refine their technique. 

“Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t,” explained Hilary. “I had my fifth one today go out and I thought my last one was going to be there too, but it curved back in. That’s the hardest part, is staying between the lines and having some flight to get the distance, and then the footwork.”

Lisa Shahade at the Cyclone Sports Complex.

The Michigan resident is also competing in Discus and Hammer Throw at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana. For him, the camaraderie among throwers is what makes the throwing events special. 

Heading over to the women’s throws, we met Pennsylvania athlete Lisa Shahade, who is competing in Hammer Throw, Discus, Shot Put and Javelin – events she feels play well into her physical strength. But, she notes strength is multidimensional.

“Overall, there are varied amounts of strength – you can be physically strong, you can be emotionally strong, and I think you have to be both of those things to be able to compete in anything and be successful.”

Track & Field events showcasing the power and resilience of over 1,500 athletes ages 50 and up will take place at Cyclone Sports Complex in Ames, Iowa, through Aug. 3.

By: Mary Johns

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Volunteers are the backbone of The Games, ensuring that events run as smoothly as possible and every athlete has a chance to shine.

The energy of the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana isn’t just on the courts and fields, it radiates from the volunteers who make it all possible. From seasoned veterans to families, these dedicated individuals are the backbone of The Games. 

Take Murphy and Madeline Whitsitt, the father-daughter duo from Urbandale, Iowa, whose journey to volunteering started with seeing a social media post. Madeline, 16, admits she initially pictured a gathering of “retired Olympic athletes.” What she found, however, was a vibrant community of everyday people pushing their limits. 

“It might seem scary to go and do something important,” Madeline reflected, “But once you get out there it’s really fun.” Her father, Murphy, echoed her sentiment, valuing the chance to “give back to the community and spend time with my daughter.” For them, serving in their hometown has revealed the incredible spirit of The Games, where older athletes perform impressive and inspiring feats. 

This spirit of dedication and community is also embodied by people like Debra Johnson, 68, from Atlanta, Georgia. Not only is she a long-time volunteer (since 2017!), she is also a fierce athlete. 

For Debra, volunteering is an integral part of her everyday life, a vital way to support the activities and events she loves. She notes that The Games “do not have enough staff to accommodate every event,” which underscores the critical role volunteers like her play in ensuring The Games run as smoothly as possible.

Champions extend beyond the medal stand – they are volunteers like Murphy, Madeline and Debra. Their selfless dedication and willingness to give their time is a reminder that the spirit of community, active living and generosity is for every age. 

By: Danielle Brown

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Seasoned golfer Nick Kent is ready for action in the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana, despite facing some challenges and frustration.

Nick Kent is a 79-year-old golfer who hails from The Villages, Florida. Nick first learned to hit the ball from his mother and has competed in the National Senior Games since 2007. 

While golf has been a big part of Nick’s life, he did not start playing until his children moved out. Like many at The Games, Nick’s relationship with his sport did not become serious until the pressures of parenting and working lessened. Nick also works at a golf club in Florida, so he has experience seeing golfers of all skill levels.

Nick is a star player who often stands atop the podium, and he emphasizes the importance of practice and preparedness to get there. “I spend more time practicing and less time playing than people think,” Nick confesses. While many golfers, including Nick, can get frustrated with a lack of consistency on the green, he believes the solution is practice, practice and more practice. His advice to a newbie? “Take a lesson or two first, and make sure to practice on the driving range,” Nick advises.

Like many athletes, Nick has overcome hardships before making it to the games. The golfer sports a wrist brace on his right hand and has struggled with pain recently. “This year I have arthritis and Carpal tunnel syndrome in my right hand, I basically took four months off,” Nick said. With shots and pain medication, he has been able to return to the course to compete in the sport he loves most, despite his aches.

What is Nick’s favorite part of The Games? “You’re competing against yourself, but you’re also competing against other people in your age group, so you get to see how you compare,” he shared. However, Nick also admitted that he does enjoy letting his competitive side shine. Good luck on the green, Nick!

By: Sydney Parker

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Beach volleyball returned to the 2025 National Senior Games with athletes embracing the challenge of the sand and the joy of competition.

Beach volleyball is back at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana, and athletes are bringing the energy to The Sands Volleyball Club in Des Moines. With the hot sun, steady rallies and flying sand, the event has become a favorite for competitors and spectators alike.

For many athletes, beach volleyball offers the perfect blend of competition, challenge and the love of the game. Miura Gonzales, 60, originally from Mexico and now living in Nashville, Tennessee, is playing both indoor and beach volleyball this year, but she has a clear favorite.

“I like beach better,” Miura said. “The sand isn’t very stable, which makes it harder to jump. You also have to hustle more because there are fewer players.”

Miura discovered beach volleyball by chance while in college in Mexico. One day, when the basketball courts were full, she and her sister wandered over to the volleyball courts and asked to join a group of girls who were passing the ball. “They said yes and invited us to join their team,” she recalled. “I’ve been playing ever since.”

Mike Schultz, 70, from North Carolina, shares that passion. A lifelong athlete who started playing at 17, Mike is competing in his third National Senior Games and in both volleyball formats.

“Beach is more fun,” he said. “It’s more about ball control. And just being out there on the beach, in the sand, in good weather – that’s what makes it so enjoyable.”

Like Miura, Mike agrees that beach volleyball comes with extra challenges. “It’s definitely harder than indoor,” he said. Still, both athletes are quick to say that the difficulty is part of the appeal. 

By: Gabi Mercurio

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The Celebration of Athletes featured pageantry and spirit, which was on display in the Parade of Athletes. Here’s a sample of the excitement and color, with more photos to be found in our photo gallery.

The emotion-filled Celebration of Athletes marks the mid-point of the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana. It’s a hybrid of opening and closing ceremony elements, starting with the Parade of Athletes with beaming competitors marching in with state pride, and ending with Des Moines passing the torch and the NSGA flag to the 2027 Games host community Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Here’s some of the colorful ways athletes showed their spirit at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park in Des Moines. Visit our photo gallery to see images of the entire gathering!

Maryland athletes seem to find a way to incorporate their state flag into everything they wear!

Florida athletes paraded with yellow hats to celebrate the Sunshine State.

There was even more sunshine from the west when Arizona strutted their stuff.

Yes, international athletes can qualify for The Games! These Latvian ladies wore their comfy summer whites.

Mainers are not known for flashy dress, but these Maine Senior Games athletes decided to light up like neon to strut their stuff.

By: Del Moon

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Inspired by her 80-year-old auntie and her Isleta Pueblo roots, Shirley Jojola showcases how shuffleboard is a surprisingly mental and social game that fosters deep camaraderie.

Shuffleboard athlete Shirley Jojola, a proud member of the Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico, embodies the spirit of The Games: connection, discovery and joy. 

Her journey began with a gentle nudge from her 80-year-old auntie. “In Isleta, we have a strong elderly program, and they encourage the elders to get out and get involved,” Shirley explains. “I took her advice, got in and got hooked. This is my fifth nationals, but I was never able to beat her!”

What truly keeps Shirley coming back? “The camaraderie you find here, the friends you make,” she replies. “I have friends from all over the United States. Everybody’s here for a good time. It’s a fun place to be and just to get out and meet new people.”

Shirley firmly debunks misconceptions about shuffleboard, that it’s merely a physical activity or akin to a bar’s tabletop version. “It’s a mental game,” she asserts. She paints a vivid picture of the intensity that she describes as “thinking strategy.” She notes an hour on the court leaves her mentally exhausted. This challenge, combined with the sport’s accessibility, makes it appealing.

Shirley Jojola and her shuffleboard partner, Joan Sullivan, hug after winning an intense game by one point.

Shirley often plays with her partner, Joan Sullivan, who is from Sandia Pueblo. Their partnership is part of a close-knit group. “We’re the ‘native shufflers’ and we’re just like one big family now,” Shirley shares. “We love the sport and getting together.”

Reflecting on her journey, Shirley offers universal advice: “You never know until you try it, how much fun it’s gonna be. Unless you try it, you don’t know if it’s a passion or not. I would advise people just try everything new that you have the opportunity to.”

For Shirley and Joan, the National Senior Games are about more than just medals. “We’re just here to have fun and have a good time,” Shirley states. “If we win, we’re happy. If we don’t, we’re happy for the other people, we’re just all here to have fun and make friends.” It’s a testament to the profound impact of sport not just on physical health, but on building vibrant communities and enriching lives.

By: Danielle Brown

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At the National Senior Games, Evelyn Johnson and Charles Waller show that it’s never too late to chase new goals, one step at a time.

Evelyn Johnson made a promise to herself and her Barbados teammates: when she turned 80, she would finally step onto the track. After attending two previous National Senior Games presented by Humana as a spectator and cheerleader, the Barbados native took to the track at Cyclone Sports Complex in Power Walk this year. “I made my debut this morning,” she said proudly. “I promised in 2025, when I turned 80, I would compete.”

Evelyn joined a power walking club after retiring at 65, determined to “age gracefully and increase my mobility.” The sport quickly became more than just exercise, it made everyday tasks easier, connected her to a supportive community, and gave her a reason to move with purpose. Her advice to others is to “just go for it.”

An Accidental Encounter Turns into a Power Walking Career

For 73-year-old Charles Waller of Kentucky, his introduction to the sport came by surprise. While walking a 5K with his wife in his late 40s, he unknowingly entered, and won, the walk division. That unexpected victory ignited a competitive fire that’s still burning strong at his seventh National Senior Games.

Charles credits his friend and mentor Ray Ganong, a strength coach in Louisville, with helping him stay focused and fit. But it’s the people he’s met through power walking who’ve made the deepest impact. 

“The friendships and relationships I’ve made in power walking mean a lot,” he said. One even grew from an on-course confrontation. “To make a friendship out of a confrontation is really neat,” he said, remembering his late friend Janet Higbie, who inspired one of his most meaningful races.

Power walking is uniquely accessible, welcoming both beginners like Evelyn and seasoned athletes like Charles. It offers a space to move, connect and compete regardless of age or ability.

By: Gabi Mercurio

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