Guest Opinion | Akila Gibbs: It’s March Madness All Year Round at the Pasadena Senior Center

It’s March Madness season — that crazy time in the early spring when men’s and women’s college basketball teams have us all on edge with late game upsets, come-from-behind 3-point finishes, and the possibility that even the smallest colleges and most unknown players have a shot at fame and victory.

Watching University of Iowa’s Caitlin Clark set the record recently for the all-time leading scorer in women’s NCAA history, it’s hard for some to understand that up until 1972, it was impossible for women in NCAA basketball to become stars; and it certainly didn’t happen on television with throngs of cheering fans. It took the passage of Title IX to ensure that male and female students and employees in educational settings are treated equally and fairly, and then many years after that for women’s sports to be accepted and integrated into high school and college programs.

This landmark legislation has been a game-changer, breaking down barriers and paving the way for female athletes across generations to chase their dreams.

Caitlin Clark puts it best: “I’m all about growing the women’s game, and I’m glad I’ve given something that little girls can scream about at the top of their lungs. I can imagine when I was younger, I was doing the exact same thing watching on TV.” Her words capture what Title IX has enabled — a future where girls and women see no limits to their athletic aspirations and female college athletes model teamwork, camaraderie and perseverance.

The story doesn’t end here. At the Pasadena Senior Center, Title IX’s ripple effects are redefining what aging looks like. Through our Senior Women’s Basketball team, older women are not just reminiscing about their younger days; they actively participate in them, embodying the spirit of competition, camaraderie and resilience. This team is more than a game; it’s a celebration of lifelong fitness, friendship and the joy of being part of a team.

The importance of this cannot be overstated, especially when the challenges of aging can often lead to isolation. Research from the American Psychological Association highlights the critical role stable, healthy friendships play in ensuring longevity and happiness. Team sports  — including PSC’s Senior Women’s Basketball— offer a unique avenue to combat loneliness, providing senior women with a community where they can find support, engage in physical activity, and enjoy the psychological benefits of being part of a group.

Recognizing the profound impact of physical activity, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity five days a week for seniors. This isn’t just about physical health; it’s about maintaining independence, mental sharpness, and a deepening appreciation for life. 

Olympic and UCLA track star Jackie Joyner-Kersee said it best: “As we age, we may lose some physical abilities, but we gain wisdom, experience, and a deeper understanding of ourselves. Embrace every stage of life and keep pushing yourself to be the best version of yourself, no matter your age.”

Joyner-Kersee’s thoughts aren’t just inspiring; they are a call to action. It reminds us that Title IX’s legacy extends far beyond our nation’s youth and touches the lives of all women, encouraging them to live fully, passionately, and with the joy of the game at any age. 

I invite you to explore the possibilities of the Pasadena Senior Center’s women’s basketball league by visiting https://www.pasadenaseniorcenter.org/activities-events/sports-leagues/387-womens-basketball. Registration is required. Play is weekly, Wednesday nights, and Sunday mornings. The league is open to women 45 and older, where players compete in 3×3 basketball in a competitive and friendly environment. Please come join the fun!

Akila Gibbs is executive director of the Pasadena Senior Center