Series description
Founded more than 25 years ago, the San Diego Senior Women's Basketball Association is the largest league in the USA for women over the age of 50. Two of the teams feature players who are over 80: The San Diego Splash and newbie team the Golden Girls. Many of their players grew up in a time when sport was considered unfeminine, and opportunities for women, especially African American women, were scarce. A 1972 law changed organised sports, but it came too late for these women, who are simply thrilled to be playing team basketball. Today, the league offers more than sport: it fosters active ageing, friendship and community.
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San Diego Splash player Jaye Hanley (84), stretching on the sidelines before a game. Plagued by repeated injuries from racewalking, she was looking for another sport and joined the team in 2017. Jaye is adamant that basketball is easier on the body and plays four days a week. She says that the best part of playing in the SWBA is the friendships she's made.
© Alain Schroeder, Belgium, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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Jaye Hanley (84), #21 of the San Diego Splash, defends against Marge Seybold (85), #13 of the Golden Girls, in a three-on-three half-court scrimmage at the Mission Valley YMCA. Vonna Cummins (#2 of the Golden Girls) positions herself for a pass. San Diego Splash coach CJ Moloney can be seen in the background.
© Alain Schroeder, Belgium, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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The San Diego Splash team huddles for a cheer at the start of the game. Most of the players on the Splash and the Golden Girls are in their 80s and 90s and often play against women who are 30 years younger. In addition to having fun playing ball, every player reiterates the joy they feel playing in the league and live by the league's motto: Basketball for Life!
© Alain Schroeder, Belgium, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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Jeanne Herlihy (84), captain of the Golden Girls, lines up a shot. Jeanne volunteers to be captain because she says, laughing, that ‘no one wants the job.’ But the truth is, she likes being organised, and arranging travel and getting everyone to practice on time suits her. Off the court she still works as a clinical social worker, focusing on mental health and drug-related issues.
© Alain Schroeder, Belgium, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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CJ Moloney, coach of the San Diego Splash, jumps for joy, while Splash teammates Marge Carl (96) (centre) and Grace Larsen (99) (right), cheer from the bench. Grace is the oldest player in the league and started playing basketball at 78, noting that: ‘Growing up, we didn't have the opportunity to play.’
© Alain Schroeder, Belgium, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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At the end of the San Diego Senior Women's Basketball Association (SWBA) annual meeting, Golden Girls team captain, Jeanne Herlihy (84), wraps up the festivities with an improv performance by her alter ego, Sassy. She is joined by Golden Girls player, Marilyn A. Day (86), affectionately known as Mama Day.
© Alain Schroeder, Belgium, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards
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SWBA members pose for a group photo at their annual meeting at the Mission Beach Women's Club. The San Diego Senior Women's Basketball Association is a non-profit organisation promoting safe, active ageing through basketball for women over 50.
© Alain Schroeder, Belgium, Shortlist, Professional Competition, Sport, 2026 Sony World Photography Awards