Page 49 - Senior Link Magazine Winter 2023 - Online Magazine

EXCEPTIONAL SENIORS

to-be husband Darryl Holland and a group of eight 65 years of marriage has shown them the importance of
players in a singles event in 2005. The new players “kept working AND playing together, and their sage advice to
the ball bouncing” for the next decade—introducing it others is very simple: it is never too late to find a sport or
to other interested people whenever possible, and the activity that you enjoy—whether it be hiking, swimming,
sport slowly found its way into the mainstream across dancing, or another pastime. Keep active and enjoy life
the country during this time. Today, the Lubbock Plays as long as you can. The unique sport of pickleball gave
Pickleball group has more than 2,000 members, and the this fun-loving couple just such an opportunity. With
sport itself is recognized as the fastest-growing sport in attention placed on staying physically fit, they say you’ll
the USA, maybe even the world! never grow old and will always feel young at heart.
While living in Southern California, Bonnie and Jim
played in (and each won medals!) in the first-ever
Pickleball Senior Tournament in Palm Springs in 2006.
During that period of time, they traveled extensively
through Europe, China, Scandinavia, Russia, South
America, and eventually New Zealand. Retirement
gave them a chance to serve others, as well. Their
volunteer work in Christian camps over nine years
included stints with SOWERS (Servants on Wheels Ever
Ready) and YWAM (Youth with a Mission) and took Still embracing life!
them across the country—including Hawaii. Those
travels also provided the opportunity to share their love
of pickleball to others along the way—just as they had
with the singles group in Lubbock.

For those just hearing about this exciting racquet
sport, it is a game designed for all ages. “Family”
best describes the relationship of players and the
bonds of cohesiveness and camaraderie that naturally
develop. In addition to enjoying the game and the
benefits of staying active, players inevitably enjoy each
other’s company. Real friendships have evolved, and
pickleball players have been known to pray for one
another if a need presents itself.

Jim and Bonnie Newville’s original nucleus of three
children—Stephanie, Sandy and Stephen—has
expanded to two more generations and now includes
15 grandchildren and 30 greats, scattered from coast to
coast. In their last couple of years in Southern California,
a genetic neurological condition (SCA) forced Jim to
give up pickleball in his late seventies. Knowing they
needed to make changes to adapt to this new reality,
they returned to Lubbock three years ago to be near their
daughter, Stephanie. Though Jim is now in Hospice care,
the couple is grateful to spend each day together. They
love to recall stories of their youth and the places it has
taken them in their life’s journey together; family has
always been of the highest importance to them. Their

Lubbock Senior Link 49