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!
Recovery with a Pickleball Prescription – and Guardian Angel
January 2025 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Mike Welter, 72 Cape Coral, Florida In 2017, senior athlete Mike Welter of Cape Coral, Florida, was flying high. The former tennis player had mastered pickleball and won two gold medals at the Super Seniors International Pickleball Association (SSIPA) World Championships as his peak
- Published in Athlete of the Month
A Breath of Inspiration
December 2024 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Sherry Kemp, 68 Columbus, Ohio In 2019 at age 63, Sherry Kemp was struggling with her health. She needed a walker and carried an oxygen bottle due to a rare, incurable condition. Today, her disease is in check, and she’s planning to compete in
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Veteran Ends 55-Year Drought with Senior Swimming Career
November 2024 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Joel Lockwood, 90 Lake City, Michigan Joel Lockwood is having the time of his life by returning to competitive swimming after a 55-year hiatus caused by career and family duties. Despite current challenges, the 90-year-old says he’ll never get out of his lane again.
- Published in Athlete of the Month
The Pickleball Pioneer: Fran Myer’s Unexpected Journey
October 2024 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Fran Myer, 78 Kenmore, Washington Some people just have a knack for falling into situations and finding themselves in the middle of history. When it comes to the early development of pickleball, Fran Myer shows up everywhere. “I’m the Forrest Gump of pickleball,” she
- Published in Athlete of the Month
“Gary the Gazelle” Reinvents Himself
September 2024 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Gary Yeager, 75 Phoenix, Arizona Gary Yeager knows what to do with a curveball on a baseball field, being a natural athlete and playing through college. Perhaps this taught him to find opportunities when life threw some real curveballs at him. The West Virginia
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Shuffleboard Will Never Get Old for This Man
August 2024 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA Storyteller Charles Mikell, 58 Mechanicsville, Virginia Charles Mikell says his favorite sport is shuffleboard, and that’s no act. Charles is 58 years old, which doesn’t fit the image many conjure up of senior citizens playing shuffleboard on cruise ships. Ironically, Charles has played shuffleboard on
- Published in Athlete of the Month
The Accidental Triathlete
July 2024 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA PR Specialist Julie Summers, 56 Windsor Heights, Iowa Until six years ago, Julie Summers had no idea she would become an athlete. It was never in her plans in her youth or as a busy professional and mother. Then, on a whim at age 50,
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Saved by the Ball
June 2024 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA PR Specialist Bruce Rubin, 80 Lansdale, Pennsylvania Bruce Rubin believes 30 years of basketball playing helped him in two ways to overcome a cancer that is rare among men. After a tumble on the court at his all-ages league practice last year, Bruce went to
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Fitness and Tradition Keep New Mexico Couple Moving
May 2024 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA PR Specialist Joseph Leonard Loretto,78 Felipita Loretto, 75 Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico Senior athletes know that you need to move to enjoy longevity. Joseph Leonard Loretto and his wife Felipita just celebrated their 56th anniversary, and they say time has taught them that advice also
- Published in Athlete of the Month
Elite Swimmer, Coach Draws Inspiration from Others
April 2024 Athlete of the Month By Del Moon, NSGA PR Specialist Susan Ingraham, 64 San Antonio, Texas Susan Ingraham makes waves in the pool in more ways than one. The sleek elite Texas swimmer has stacked up medals and accolades since she returned to competitive swimming 21 years ago after a long break. However,
- Published in Athlete of the Month