Senior Athlete’s Golden Years

As a 65-year-old woman who works full time and plays on three softball teams, Tustin resident Lillie Emerson doesn’t believe any senior citizen should sit around with nothing to do.

“What I want to see is the women getting involved,” Emerson said. “I know there are women out there who want to do something; they just don’t have the contacts. [Softball is] just a wonderful thing to do. I get so excited about it.”

Not only does Emerson enjoy the sport, she is pretty good at it too. All three of her senior softball teams, consisting of players age 55 or older and based out of Orange County, have recently wonbeen nationally recognized.

In September, the California Spirit Majors won the Senior Softball World Series in Tallahassee, Fla. A week later, the Second Wind Majors competed in the 1999 Senior Softball World Championships in Phoenix, and in October the American Legends won the gold medal during the Senior Olympics National Senior Games in Orlando, Fla.

Emerson, who plays first base and the outfield about twice a week year-round, is nicknamed Skippy, a name that has stayed with her since she was 7 years old and would “skip right along” while running.

The lifelong athlete shared her victories with the Tustin City Council last month and spoke about the importance of female senior citizens staying active.

“It keeps our youth,” said Emerson. . “Participating in sports is good for a multitude of reasons. Women don’t age as fast, and it helps with osteoporosis.”

Kathie Lloyd, who coaches and plays for the California Spirit Majors and plays for the American Legends, said she was very impressed by the thousands of senior athletes who participated in the senior Olympics.

“It’s wonderful to compete against people who are your own age,” said the 58-year-old Costa Mesa resident. “There were 12,000 senior Olympians competing in every kind of sport. It’s so nice to see there are other people that are not just turning into couch potatoes.”

Although senior women’s sports are growing, Emerson said she is disappointed female athletes have a hard time getting sponsors compared to male athletes.

“We have got to be proud of what we are and who we are,” said the 45-year nurse and current office manager at a doctor’s office in Orange. “People have to understand that women are equal and a part of society and we won’t take no for an answer.”

Emerson said she will continue to recruit seniors to get involved in a sport that offers support, camaraderie and exercise.

“I feel I have grown so much being involved in this,” she said. “That is what I love to see--women, especially who are 45 years and older, get involved.”

Marissa Espino can be reached at (714) 966-5879