Athlete of the Month
Each month, NSGA selects an interesting athlete to highlight from the vast diversity of people who participate in National Senior Games. These stories demonstrate the spirit of The Games and the benefits of fitness, fun and fellowship that athletes enjoy through their competitive efforts. Everyone has a story to share – what’s yours?
Click Here to submit your information, or nominate someone who inspires you!
Use the search box to find athletes by name or year of story.
Skilled and Chilled: “Drea C” Takes the Pressure Off on the Track
November 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Andrea Collier, 59 Orlando, Florida Many athletes have to overcome feelings of anticipation and stress when they compete. The pressure to perform can be even more intense for elite athletes who chase medals and records after months and years of serious training and preparation.
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Born to Coach
By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Donald Widener, 68 Suffolk, Virginia Not everyone knows what they want to do with their life as a young teen, but Donald Widener did – with a little help from his sister and a perceptive coach. Donald almost didn’t make it out of the hospital – he was a premature
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Davis Johnson is Going the Distance for Disc Golf
October 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Davis Johnson, 75 Monson, Massachusetts From the time he laid hands on his first Frisbee in 1965, Davis Johnson became obsessed with throwing it as far as he could. That would lead to getting his name into the Guinness Book of World Records as
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Determined Pickleballer Works Through Disability to Compete
September 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Diane Stelpflug, 65 New Berlin, Wisconsin Watching Diane Stelpflug enter the Iowa Events Center for Pickleball at the National Senior Games with a pronounced limp, one might easily assume she was a spectator toting gear for a friend. But a remarkable transformation takes place
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Derrick Milligan’s “Insurance Policy” is Paying Benefits
August 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Derrick Milligan, 60 Chicago, Illinois On a misty, muggy morning at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana, lifelong athlete and Team Dream coach Derrick Milligan watched members of the three teams he brought to Des Moines for the Triathlon Relay compete. He
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Lifting and Loving Life
June 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Faith O’Reilly, 82 Saguache, Colorado Look anywhere online and you’ll see Powerlifting is having a moment. Older women who powerlift have particularly captured the spotlight. Catherine Kuehn, 95, inspired the “Strong Grandma” documentary, and one Instagram video promoting the film racked up over 11
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Mind Over Racket
May 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Dr. Rajeev Trehan, 70 Lawrence, Kansas Dr. Rajeev Trehan has a secret weapon he uses to defeat opponents in badminton, and it’s not because he was born in India, where the sport originated. It’s not because he has played most of his life. What
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Overcoming Fear by Example
April 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Ann Hegstrom, 69 De Soto, Iowa The National Senior Games showcases older adults performing impressive athletic feats, but some, like Iowa native Ann Hegstrom, stand out from the crowd with their personality and presence. Ann captured our attention in Albuquerque in 2019, dressed in
- Published in Athlete of the Month
One Sport Leads to Another
March 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Treba Young, 60 Eric Young, 62 Mobile, Alabama Many older adults find recreation and sports are a healthy way to pursue an active life with social connections. For Treba and Eric Young of Mobile, Alabama, Senior Games has opened a new vista for enjoying
- Published in Athlete of the Month
A Classic Recipe for Success
February 2025 Team of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Legendary UCLA Men’s Basketball Coach John Wooden once famously said, “If you want to watch pure basketball, watch the women play.” If you want to watch women play Basketball in the National Senior Games, look no further than the Connecticut Classics 2. Team sports
- Published in Athlete of the Month