Whether you played in college or haven’t touched a basketball since high school, there’s a place for you on the Silver Storm. We’re a team for women 45 and up in the NC Triangle — all fitness levels, all experience levels, all backgrounds welcome.
Interested in coming to practice? Email us at SeniorWomensBasketball@gmail.com. Someone from our steering committee will be in touch to welcome you and answer any questions.
Or just show up! Check out our practice schedule and come on a day that works for you. No advance notice required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have played basketball before? Not required, but it would be helpful. Less experienced players will find patient, more experienced players who are genuinely happy to help them. More experienced players will find others who will challenge them competitively — there’s something for everyone.
Am I too old / too out of shape / too [fill in the blank]? We hear this a lot, and the answer is an emphatic no. Our players range in age from 45 to well into their 80s. Although fast paced, we play 3-on-3 half-court basketball, which is lower-impact and more accessible than full-court. We also play in 5-year age increments (50-54, 55-59, 60-64, etc.) during tournaments, so you won’t be playing with people half your age. You can set your own pace and take a break when you need to. The only requirement is that you show up and have fun.
What is the time commitment to join the team? Practices are offered multiple times during the week to accommodate busy schedules. However, players are NOT expected to attend every practice – our players just come whenever they are able, and it fits in their schedules. Some of our players also work and so they just come to the practice late whenever they can get off work. If you would like to play competitively at state and national tournaments, we generally ask that players attend practices a couple of times per week in the months preceding the tournament.
What happens at a typical practice? Practices usually include a warm-up, skill drills (passing, shooting, ball handling), and scrimmage time. As we approach the local, state, and national Senior Games, age-grouped teams may work on strategy and plays together as well. The atmosphere is supportive and low-pressure. We’re here to get better together, not to intimidate anyone.
What do I wear and bring? Athletic clothes you can move in, basketball or athletic shoes, and a water bottle. That’s it. If you have a women’s basketball (size 6, 28.5″) please bring it along. If you’re not sure you’ll stick around, there’s no need to invest in gear before your first visit.
Is there a fee? There is no fee to attend practices. If you join the team, you can buy a set of home and away uniform jerseys. Occasionally we take up donations for team meals, gym rentals, and other costs but there are no mandatory dues or fees.
Where do you practice? Most of our practices are held in Chapel Hill. Check the Practices & Announcements page for current locations, days, and times.
Do I have to compete in tournaments? Not at all. Some players love the Orange County and NC State Senior Games tournaments and look forward to them every year. Others are here purely for practice, fitness, and community. Both are completely fine. Some of our players also compete in the individual shooting competition at the county, state, or national Senior Games, but participation in that opportunity is also completely optional.
What’s 3-on-3 half-court basketball? We play on half the court with three players per side. It’s faster to learn, less physically demanding than full-court, and a lot of fun. If you’re new to the format, don’t worry — you’ll pick it up quickly.
Can I come watch before I commit? Absolutely. Come see what practice looks like before you decide to play. Just let us know you’re coming so we can watch for you.
I’m interested but nervous. What should I know? The most common thing we hear from new players is that they were surprised by how friendly and welcoming everyone is. We’ve been that nervous newcomer too. You’ll fit in faster than you think.
Other Ways to Get Involved
Not ready to play — or looking for more ways to support the team?
- Be our off-court support. For folks who aren’t interested in playing but want to be involved, we can always use coaches, timekeepers, and statisticians to help us up our game!
- Cheer us on. We compete in the Orange County Senior Games and the NC State Senior Games. Come root for us!
- Sponsor us. Community support helps cover gym fees, equipment, and tournament costs. Contact us at SeniorWomensBasketball@gmail.com if you or your organization is interested.
- Spread the word. Know someone who might want to play? Send them this link or forward our email. Word of mouth is how most of our players found us.
Questions not answered here? Email us at SeniorWomensBasketball@gmail.com — we’re happy to help.
From the rapid and warm reply to my first email inquiry into playing with the Silver Storm, this group’s welcoming culture was highly noticeable. I can’t emphasize enough how encouraging and motivating everyone is. If your pass inadvertently goes out of bounds, the women say “good idea”, miss a wide open shot, it’s “excellent form” and “keep shooting”, or bounce the ball off your foot when dribbling to the basket and they yell “great move”!
Always–the main goal of participating is to have fun and learn more about the game we all love.
– New Silver Storm Player
