While pickleball is attracting more and more younger players these days - which is definitely a good thing - plenty of seniors are still hitting the court on a regular basis.

Jeremiah Hollis of Redford, MI is one of them.

According to a July 25 story by Hometownlife.com writer Susan Bromley, the 71-year-old has undergone multiple surgeries since 2023, including a hip replacement, knee replacement, and a triple heart bypass, but he still plays at least three times per week at the Novi and Canton locations of Life Time Fitness.

Now, he's competing at the 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines, IA and participating in all three eligible disciplines - men's singles, men's doubles, and mixed doubles.

It's hard to believe that Hollis only started playing pickleball two-and-a-half years ago.

“Us old athletes, we aspire to living our oats and want that next thing to conquer,” said Hollis, a father of three, U.S. Air Force veteran, and retired senior project manager for Ford Motor Company, who previously earned podium finishes at the Detroit Senior Olympics and Michigan Senior Olympics. “Pickleball does it for me.”

Bromley writes that Hollis tried golf, bowling, tennis, and ping pong over the years, but pickleball really was a perfect fit.

He proudly promotes the sport and its vast array of benefits.

“We’re all aging and looking for something to energize us and keep us healthy,” emphasized Hollis. “There is a lot going on in our bodies and I was looking for something to do without getting hurt and to stay active. Pickleball has been the vehicle. It’s a great, great sport, and if I can do it, you can do it, too.”

If you were curious to learn more about Hollis' resume, by the way, prepare to be impressed.

Bromley reports that he boasts five degrees, including one in chemical engineering from the University of Michigan, along with an MBA from Central Michigan University. 

He's also a 4.0 level pickleballer with 16 career tournament medals.

The fact that Hollis was recently named one of 10 “Humana Game Changers” out of over 12,000 senior Olympians for exemplifying healthy aging and inspiring his peers shouldn't surprise people.

Click here to learn more about Hollis in a story by Men's Health published earlier this month.