Defying Age on the Court: Join the South Texas Sass Basketball Team for Fun, Friendship, and Charity
In Katy, a sports team centered on fellowship and fun, is making a comeback, but it's not your average basketball squad. Aptly titled the Katy Granny Basketball team or the South Texas Sass, they are bringing back a unique style of basketball aimed at women aged fifty and up.
The creators of this league are Katy resident, Kelly Thornton and volunteer for Kindred Hearts Transport Connection. Thornton, one of the captains of the team is excited to share their journey with more members. "Our team has just started and we are thrilled to invite others to join us," says Thornton. "The league is a non-profit organization with more than 40 teams across 10 states and even a Canadian team!"
The team, operating from the Family Life Center at Katy First United Methodist, is a part of Granny Basketball, an organization started by Barb McPherson Trammell nearly 20 years ago. Trammell designed the league to provide an exercise solution for older women. The games are a throwback to basketball rules from the 1920s, blending sport with a healthy dose of nostalgia.
Members of the Katy Granny Basketball team at practice. (Source: Katy Granny Basketball)The benefits of the league are not merely confined to physical fitness. Each Granny Basketball team selects a charity or non-profit cause to which they give gate receipts. This way, every game contributes to a significant cause.
The format of the game, per Thornton, is crafted with specific safety measures, emphasizes passing and shooting. "Granny Basketball is not like watching the Houston Rockets or your local high school teams... No running or jumping is allowed,” she explains. "Players must be female and at least 50 years old. We play six-on-six and rock some awesome old-fashioned uniforms! No experience or athletic ability required! Just a desire to get out, get moving, and make new friends."
Interested parties can join the team by paying a yearly registration fee of $30, purchasing a uniform, and contributing to the monthly gym rental expense. Visit the team's Facebook page for more details. As the South Texas Sass team delights in their nostalgic game play, they look forward to growing their team with fellow sportswomen who are keen to break the stereotype of age and athleticism.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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