Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2023 March)
Does the prospect of playing a new sport sound exciting or daunting? For many of us, the idea of taking up a new sport, especially competitively, is overwhelming. Fears of injury, exhaustion and humiliation can effectively end the endeavor before it even begins. Not so for the members of NOVA United Senior Women’s Basketball Association.
NOVA United gives women aged 45 and older the opportunity to play three-on-three half-court basketball, improve their skills and compete. Many of NOVA United’s members joined the league well into their 60s and beyond, some never having touched a basketball in their adult life. These members’ willingness to try a new sport, along with their desire to stay active and compete, has paid off. At the 2022 National Senior Games, held in Fort Lauderdale, FL in July, NOVA United’s 80+ team, The Classics, won the Gold medal.
Nancy D. Joyner, 77, one of the founders of NOVA United, recalls how the league began in 2003. Jackie Stephens, a lifelong basketball player, had relocated from Michigan to Virginia, and couldn’t find a league to play with in her new hometown. She sent an email to members of the American Association of University Women, asking if anyone was interested in playing. Nancy and a few others joined Jackie to play, and eventually founded NOVA United. Unlike Jackie, Nancy had no basketball experience, having gone to a high school that didn’t offer sports for girls, so joining the group was a learning experience and a leap of faith. Initially, NOVA United was a ragtag group of players of all ages playing together. It took a few years before they acquired enough players to form competition-ready teams divided into five-year age groups – 45-50, 50-55, etc.
One factor that helped NOVA United attract players and grow was securing a regular practice space. The team practices every Friday evening at James Lee Community Center in Falls Church. The relationship has also benefitted James Lee. NOVA United members faithfully volunteered at a youth wheelchair basketball tournament hosted at the center prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. League members also step up to support James Lee’s annual holiday gift drive. Another draw for NOVA United is their coach, Melinda Lynham, a lifelong basketball player, who after joining the league switched from player to coach, believing it was the best way to put her years of experience to good use.
Participating in NOVA United has been a life-changing experience for many of the players, especially the oldest players, who have forged close friendships and may be the most enthusiastic members of all.
Team captain for The Classics is 82-year-old Helen Crum, a longtime member of NOVA United. In addition to enjoying the exercise it provides, Helen’s favorite part of playing basketball is the camaraderie. Players support each other during difficult situations and keep in touch even after they can no longer play. “Once a classic, always a classic,” says Helen. One of her favorite experiences while playing with the league was participating in the National Senior Games in 2013 in Cleveland. Helen was honored to carry the Virginia flag during the opening ceremonies. Her team also won the bronze medal that year. It was the first time she medaled in any games and it was a very exciting experience.
Another member of the gold-medal winning team, Vivian Robertson, is 80 years old. Throughout her 70s, Vivian was so spry that she played with The Rebounders, the 65+ team, but joined The Classics after undergoing hip replacement surgery. Vivian joined NOVA United in 2007 after seeing a flyer for the league while attending an event at James Lee Community Center. “When I saw it, I knew it was right up my alley,” says Vivian. She didn’t know that a basketball league for older women existed, but she loved playing basketball in high school and found that, with some practice, her skills returned. Playing again awakened Vivian’s passion for the game. In addition to playing, she has coached a girls’ team at her grandson’s elementary school. Vivian’s favorite thing about playing with NOVA United is the women she’s met and the friendships they formed. Even while recovering from surgery, Vivian attended practice – not to play but to support and cheer on her team. Vivian knows that when she eventually stops playing, their friendships will continue, saying “I will always be there to support them no matter what.”
Mary Lou D’Alessandris, 83, is another member of The Classics. Like Vivian, Mary Lou joined NOVA United in 2007 after searching for a women’s sports league and seeing a newspaper ad for the league that said that new players were welcome with no experience needed. After watching the team practice and seeing the talent on display, she tried to sneak away but a player took notice and convinced her to stay and join them. Two weeks later, Mary Lou was playing in a tournament to qualify for Nationals. She says that joining NOVA United was one of the best moves she’s ever made. One of her most memorable experiences was attending the screening of “Coming Back to the Hoop,” a documentary about NOVA United produced by Jane Pittman, a filmmaker and NOVA United member. Seeing herself and her fellow players on screen was a moving experience for Mary Lou. “I’m not a person who likes to show off, but that was really special,” she recalls.
The newest member of The Classics is Ruth Nieboer, 81, who joined NOVA United just over a year and a half ago after being recruited by Helen, a fellow pickleball player. Ruth last picked up a basketball in high school, so her skills were rusty, but she has steadily improved over the months. She was motivated to keep trying by the support and encouragement she received from her fellow players. Ruth also believes in trying new things, stating “At my age I really enjoy having a challenge. I can see myself improving and that does wonders for my self-esteem. This is my challenge and I feel like everyone should have a challenge in their life.” Although she joined the team too late to qualify for the 2022 Nationals, she played in the qualifying tournament for the 2023 games and looks forward to playing in her first Nationals in July.
Beyond individual player’s stories, the success of NOVA United can also be measured in how they are changing perceptions about what older women can do. The young people at James Lee Community Center think nothing of seeing older women playing basketball because they witness the league practicing every Friday. “It’s no big deal and that’s good. They will grow up and won’t say they can’t do something because they’re too old,” says Nancy. Vivian Robertson’s family are in awe of her basketball skills and her son-in-law loves to brag about the talent of his basketball playing mother-in-law. When Vivian struggles to master a new move, her grandsons encourage her to “go back to her skills” and keep trying, believing that grandma can accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Mary Lou recalls a few occasions where NOVA United teams played exhibition games during halftime at Duke University, the United States Naval Academy, and Washington Mystics games. Each NOVA United player was introduced along with their age. After some initial skepticism, audiences were impressed by the basketball skills on display, applauding and complimenting the players as they left the court.
One question that NOVA United players often hear is “Aren’t you afraid of getting hurt?” Although the women are competitive, they are not reckless and feel that the benefits greatly outweigh the risks. Vivian loves playing basketball because it keeps her physically fit, mentally sharp, and is good for her mood because it’s fun. The social aspect is also enjoyable and good for the players. Teams celebrate birthdays, have parties, and support each other during tough times. As to the question about getting hurt, Nancy points out that you can get hurt any time. “I would rather get hurt going for a basket than taking out the trash. If you stay healthy and strong, you are less likely to get hurt. Why not have fun?”
Interested in joining the fun? New players are always welcome. For more information, email NOVAUnitedSWB@gmail.com.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).