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
