Pickleball, sponsored by Humana, kicked off at the National Senior Games with pioneer Fran Myer, who’s played since the 1980s, and newcomer Sandy Shawver, who’s competing with her sister. Together, they represent both the sport’s roots and its growing future.
Pickleball at the 2025 National Senior Games presented by Humana is not only one of the largest indoor tournaments in the world, it’s also a celebration of the sport’s unique roots. Unlike most sports, pickleball’s rise began with older adults, and it still thrives in the hands of players who’ve shaped it over the decades.
Fran Myer (left) & Donna Ruthquaife (right)
When Fran Myer first picked up a pickleball paddle in the 1980s, she wasn’t thinking about medals or national competitions; she was looking for a way to stay active after back surgery. Now, at 79, she is still crushing it at the National Senior Games and inspiring everyone she meets.
“I didn’t have an athletic background,” Fran shared. “I had back surgery for a herniated disc, and I needed to find something I could actually do. I saw pickleball and thought, ‘Hey, that looks doable,’” and she has been playing ever since. “There was a hope that it would eventually become a bigger sport,” she explained. “It’s really expanded, and it includes everybody!” For Fran, watching the sport she’s loved for decades explode onto the national stage is both rewarding and personal.
Sandy Shawver (left) & Patty Wiley (right)
While Fran brings the wisdom of years to the court, Sandy Shawver is soaking it all in for the first time. She and her sister, Patty Wiley, qualified for the National Senior Games a year ago in Indiana—and haven’t played a match together since. But the siblings have a long history of sports and sisterhood, having grown up playing softball side by side. The pair is bringing energy, laughter and sisterly strategy to the court for their doubles debut.
Sandy’s connection to The Games runs deeper. As a member of the National Senior Games Association Board of Directors, she’s passionate about growing access to sports at every age. What does being on the board mean to her? “It’s an opportunity to have an impact and educate so that people can live independently longer and stay active. It’s also an opportunity to work with great individuals.”
Whether it’s the thrill of a first-time serve or the satisfaction of seeing a movement you helped build boom, Fran and Sandy represent the best of what pickleball and the Senior Games are all about.
By: Gabi Mercurio
