USNA Alumni Succeed on the Pickleball Courts in 2026

Chuck Geyer '75 and Jensin Sommer '91  both exhibited impressive performances at the VA Golden Age Games held in Tampa Fl from 27 June - 2 July . Geyer earned a Gold in the Powerwalk with a personal best performance, while Sommer hauled in a Gold in Pickleball Mixed Doubles, a Silver in Women's Doubles and added another Silver to her count in Badminton Doubles. Chuck and Jensin also had impressive performances in additional sports, which qualify them for the US National Senior Games in 2027. Rhonda Geyer, a proud veteran and key component on “Team Geyer” in Badminton and Pickleball also qualified for the NSGA next year.

 

Inspired by programs that promote healthy aging, fitness and recreation, VA initiated the National Veterans Golden Age Games in 1985 to underscore the preventive and therapeutic value of sports medicine for older Veterans who receive health care at VA facilities. The mission was clear—encourage physical activity through competitive sports for positive outcomes and better health and wellness.

 

Today, the National Veterans Golden Age Games is 40 years strong and the only multi-sport competition in the world designed to improve the quality of life for all older Veterans, including those with a wide range of abilities. VA hosts the event in a new city each year as Veterans look forward to a reunion with their community of brothers and sisters, just as they did in military service.

 

Congrats to our Maryland Senior Olympian alumni. Our own teammate and alum Tony Spinler '91 and Phil Hobby, parent of Chase Hobby '07, won gold in Ages 55–60 3.0–3.5 doubles. Jensin Sommer '91 earned both a silver in Ages 55–59 women's 4.0+ singles and a gold in Ages 50–54 women's 4.0+ doubles. 

 

These results qualify them to compete in the National Senior Olympics next year. Sommer also won silver in the U.S. Open earlier this year and currently serves as a USNA adjunct PE instructor and coach of the USNA Pickleball Club team. She is planning the 1991 reunion pickleball event and is glad to help other classes looking for a fun indoor social during their reunions. A big shout out as well to Kevin Casey '86, who was recently drafted to the 2026 Champion Series Pickleball Senior Pro League.

 

The Maryland Senior Olympics (MSO) 2026 Pickleball Tournament was held 28-31 May 2026.