Sports
TN Athlete, 72, Wins Gold Medal In Basketball At National Senior Games
The Shelbyville resident is honored as a Humana Game Changer for inspiring others with her passion for staying active.
The National Senior Games, presented by Humana, is the largest multi-sport event in the world for people aged 50+. Ever since the first Games in 1987 in St. Louis, the National Senior Games has sought to motivate adults to lead active, healthy lifestyles.
The 2023 National Senior Games, held in Pittsburgh, included nearly 12,000 athletes from across the country competing in 21 unique sports.
Since 2013, Humana has recognized outstanding athletes – those who exemplify active aging and provide encouragement, motivation, and inspiration for people of all ages to pursue lifelong health – as Humana Game Changers.
Today, Patch is shining a spotlight on Jeweline Segroves, 72, from Shelbyville, who won a gold medal in women’s basketball at the National Senior Games. Not only does she love competing in basketball, but she is also passionate about inspiring and motivating others to be active no matter their age.
Below, Jeweline talks about competing in the 2023 National Senior Games and shares advice for other seniors looking to stay active.
Answers have been edited for clarity and length.
How long have you been participating in this sport and how did you get started?
I've been playing basketball most of my life. Sixth grade was the first time we were able to play on a school team. I was one of three girls who made the team, and I was hooked from then on. I absolutely loved it. My dad put a goal up in our backyard attached to a telephone pole, and I practiced every day. I played throughout high school and in college intramurals. After school, I began to coach basketball for children of all ages. I became a high school English teacher and was lucky enough to coach the basketball team where I taught.
Then, I discovered the National Senior Games, and I was hooked again. I have been playing for about 12 years and thoroughly enjoy it. My teammates include two women who I played with in high school and three others who we played against in high school. Through the years, those women have become some of my closest friends. With our team's passion for the game, not to mention our competitive natures, we have tried for years now to practice at least twice a week, and we practice against women who are mostly 15 to 20 years younger than we are. Of course, with two children, three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren, it's sometimes difficult to coordinate life and basketball, but I've always managed.
Can you describe any challenges, health or otherwise, that you had to overcome in order to compete in the National Senior Games?
At the end of 2021, I was diagnosed with COVID-19 and double pneumonia. I was put in the hospital ICU and in the isolation unit for approximately a month. My family was told three times that I would not make it through the night, but I did! The barrage of doctors that treated me said that if I had not been in such a strong physical condition, I would not have lived. I firmly believe they are right, and that God heard the prayers of my friends and family, which brought me through it. From there, I went to a rehab hospital for another month, where my physical therapists figured out ways for me to use a basketball in my therapy. Finally, I went home but remained on oxygen for the next 2 months and was left with 30% lung damage. With my doctors’ blessings, I returned to basketball practice with guidance to take it slow and not push too hard. Fortunately, I had lots of "nurses" making sure I took it easy, as my teammates and my husband of 54 years made sure I took time to rest. With their love and reassurance, I was able to play in this year's National Senior Games.
You were one of 28 athletes selected from the thousands competing at the 2023 National Senior Games for the national honor of being named a Humana Game Changer. Can you tell us more about this honor and what it means to you?
I really have difficulty expressing what an honor it is to have been chosen as one of Humana’s Game Changers for 2023. It's a bit mind-boggling when you consider the number of athletes involved in this year's games. I sincerely hope that I may have been a good example for other people my age who continue to attempt to lead healthy, active lives. If I can inspire anyone to stay active and to continue having goals to strive for, life can be so much more satisfying.
Why is living a healthy, active lifestyle important to you?
Attempting to live a healthy, active life has always been second nature to me. I love sports, and its benefits for not only physical health but also mental health. There is nothing more satisfying than knowing that you have done something to the best of your ability. I only know one way to do anything, and that is 100%. I also want to be a good example for my kids and grandchildren of a person who can live a full, exciting life even as they grow older.
What advice do you have for people wanting to be more active who feel like they don’t know where to start?
The advice I would give other people is to try to find one healthy physical activity that they can enjoy. Luckily for me, my dad instilled in me a love for sports, particularly basketball, when I was very young. However, I've also tried many other things. I've played softball, rode horses, and even studied Karate for about 10 years alongside my son. We both competed in Karate tournaments for several years. These may or may not appeal to others, but the point is, there is something out there for everyone. You do not have to sit on the sofa and watch TV all day. There are so many choices to keep us feeling young.
Please tell us about your experience competing in the 2023 National Senior Games. What was the best part?”
The trip to the National Senior Games in Pittsburg was great, as I had never been there before, but what was even more fun was the camaraderie that all the athletes shared. For those few days, we were not old, gray-haired men and women, but we were competitors reliving our "glory days." My team and I earned the gold medal in our division, and we celebrated like a bunch of teenagers. My daughter even surprised me by flying up from Tennessee to watch our last few days. While winning the Gold at the 2023 National Senior Olympics was awesome, just being there was the best part for me personally. Less than a year ago, I was told it would not happen and that my health would not allow me to compete, but with the support and prayers of my family and friends, the ability of my doctors, and most of all, the grace of God, I was there. And I cannot be more grateful.
Congratulations, Jeweline, on your athletic achievements and helping motivate other seniors to lead healthy, active lifestyles!
More about Humana: Since 2007, Humana has sponsored the National Senior Games and celebrated senior athletes with the NSGA. Specifically, Humana supports the National Senior Games’ mission to keep active adults healthy through education, fitness and sport.