Tradewinds Park in Coconut Creek, Florida, was buzzing with energy for the first day of Women’s 60+ Softball competition for the 2022 National Senior Games by Humana.
Teams from across the country loaded the bases in their pursuit of gold. Many of the players aren’t strangers, having competed against each other in numerous tournaments throughout the years.
“Softball has been my saving grace.”
Jan Greathouse, right, with a Sluggers teammate at the 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana.
Jan Greathouse, a member of The Original Sluggers 60+ team, lives and breathes softball. She has played 54 straight seasons, including through four pregnancies. Even after shattering an ankle on the last game of a season, Jan was back for game one of the next. She even scheduled her wedding on a Friday so she could play a tournament the next day!
Jan thrives on the supportive team dynamic in the sport, “We pick each other up, we do fundraisers together, crash at each other’s houses – it’s like a family.” She adds, “Softball has been my saving grace, it’s my sanctuary and empowers me.”
“Nathan’s Crafty Veterans” Team Banks on Experience
Nathan’s Crafty Veterans team poses before their first game at the 2022 National Senior Games presented by Humana.
Teams at the National Senior Games often sport creative names, and the Nathan’s Crafty Veterans team from Ohio left us wondering: Do they share a love of crafts? Are they all veterans of military service? And who is Nathan?
According to Crafty Veterans member Joan, the inspiration for the name came from their greatest asset – the synergy they’ve developed through playing experience. Their core group has stayed together since competing in the 2015 National Senior Games presented by Humana in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
“We understand each other’s abilities and build around that,” explains Joan – with a dose of craftiness to gain an extra edge. Joan adds that the homegrown Ohio team, “appreciates every lady who comes to play.”
Women’s and men’s softball will continue at Tradewinds Park and Pompano Community Park through May 23, 2022.
