For three decades, the Silver Spirits women’s basketball team has dominated senior basketball courts across the country — earning local, state, national, and even international titles, inspiring generations, and proving that age is no barrier to competition, camaraderie, or championship dreams.
From their first tipoff in 1996 to their final season in 2024, the Silver Spirits showed what it means to play with heart, strength, and purpose.
A Legacy That Spans Generations
The Silver Spirits began playing in 1996 in the 55+ age category and played through the 80+ division, competing with fierce dedication and unmatched sportsmanship. The original team was founded by Sue Allen (#10) and Rachel Howard (#12) after they attended the 1995 Senior Games and realized they could build a team with women they had played with or against throughout their lives.
Sue Allen, who still plays at 88, said,
“I love the game and have played it my entire life. I love my teammates, and we’ve always gotten along really well. It’s been a good journey. I made a lot of new friends and got to travel.”
Final Roster (2025):
Sue Allen #10
Alice Barnette #15
Lois Green #14
Vickie Frye #31
Charlotte Miller #20
Elizabeth “Libby” Williard #22
These players have kept the flame alive through years of competition and friendship, ending their illustrious careers at the top of their game.
They proudly carry the memory of Rachel Howard #12, Nancy Haynes #21, Aileen Steelman #33, Wanda Seiders #23, and Doris Lightfoot #23, and honor Sarah Clark, Mary Newton, Kay Poole, Lucy Swaim, Dolly Urdanick, Joyce Smith, Candy Newsom, Billie Dempsey, and Francis “Sis” Davis — each of whom played a vital role in the team’s success over the years.
Together, these women built one of the most respected senior basketball teams in the nation.
#10 Sue Allen and #20 Charlotte Miller take on the men’s team during the 2003 National Senior Games in Hampton Roads, VA.
Stories from the Court
Sue’s love of basketball began at Farmington High School, where she played from 7th grade through her senior year, winning the county championship in her last two years. During her senior year in 1954, Sue was the first from Davie County to be chosen for the Winston-Salem Journal All-Northwest team. She continued in community leagues until age 40, when she thought she was “too old” — only to rediscover the game years later with the Silver Spirits.
In 1956, Alice Barnette played on the first girls’ basketball team at the newly consolidated Davie High School and was selected for the Winston-Salem Journal All-Northwest team in 1958. Thirty-eight years later, Sue called her to join the Silver Spirits. “Mama had Alzheimer’s, and I needed something positive,” Alice said. “It’s hard to believe we’ve been together for 30 years.” Her secret to longevity? “Our desire to play the game never changed. We didn’t have as much stamina, but we always had more than the other teams because we practiced every week.”
Charlotte Miller played from 7th through 12th grade in Yadkin County and won the championship in 9th grade. She later played for McLean Trucking before breaking her leg in 1971 and thinking her basketball career was over. Then Sue called. “I said when, where, what time — and I was hooked.” Her fondest memories? Winning the 2002 World Games, followed by the 2003 National title.
Rachel Howard and Nancy Haynes both played for four years at Farmington High School. Vickie Frye made the basketball team her sophomore year, and Lois Green played at Cooleemee Elementary during 7th and 8th grade.
The Coaches Behind the Wins
The team’s first coach, Gene Dull, had coached several of the women in high school. He was followed by Ernest Seamon and then Vanessa Carter, who took over in 2000 after being recruited by her high school coach and mentor, the late Aileen Steelman.
“I was hesitant at first,” Coach Vanessa recalled, “but came out and loved the personalities of the ladies and was honored that they asked me to be their coach. It’s been a time commitment, especially when I had to balance coaching with small children and work, but it has been a highlight of my life.”
Practice, Passion, and Persistence
The Silver Spirits were known for their year-round dedication, practicing weekly at the Brock Gym and taking breaks only for holidays and the month of December. They appreciated the free practice space provided first by Mocksville Parks and Recreation and later by Davie County Recreation and Parks, as well as Davie County Senior Services. The Town of Mocksville managed the Davie County Senior Games and Brock Gym until 2016, when Davie County Senior Services assumed responsibility.
“To play for this long, you have to love the game,” said Sue.
“And we did,” chimed in Alice.
Their practices and persistence built stamina and chemistry, advantages they used to outlast other teams. Once, an opposing team from Maryland even forfeited halfway through the game.
Making a Name Across the Nation
Senior basketball is played 3-on-3 on a half-court, with two halves lasting 10 to 15 minutes. In 2002, the Silver Spirits expanded into two teams — one competing in the 55+ division and the other in the 60+ division.
That same year, they made their mark at the Huntsman World Games, capturing the team gold medal along with numerous individual honors. Charlotte claimed gold in the 60+ two-minute timed three-point and free-throw shooting contest, while Rachel earned silver. Charlotte and Wanda tied for gold in the 60+ free-throw competition, and Sue won gold in the 65+ “Hot Shot” event, which challenges players to score from various designated spots on the court.
Charlotte also distinguished herself by winning the overall three-point timed shooting title across all age groups, sinking 49 points in two minutes — just one point shy of the men’s winner. The team even faced international competition, squaring off against players from Russia.
At the 2002 North Carolina State Finals, Charlotte achieved a perfect score of 18 by hitting three shots from six different spots on the court, including beyond the three-point line. “There was a time we were really tough,” Charlotte recalled. “When we won our first national title, there were 20+ teams, and we had to play some ball to come out of that.”
In 2008, Charlotte and Vickie returned to the World Games in St. George, Utah, this time competing with a different team. During the individual competitions, Vickie won the Hot Shot contest in the 60+ age group, and Charlotte won the event in the 65+ age group.
Tournament Record of Excellence
National Senior Games & Huntsman World Games Highlights:
- 2002 – 1st, Huntsman World Games, Utah (won seven straight games and undefeated)
- 2003 – 1st, National Senior Games, Virginia (undefeated in 21-team bracket)
- 2004 – 2nd, National Senior Games, New Mexico
- 2005 – 3rd, National Senior Games, Pennsylvania
- 2007 – 4th, National Senior Games, Kentucky
- 2009 – Tied for 8th, National Senior Games, California
- 2011 – 3rd, National Senior Games, Texas
- 2013 – 5th, National Senior Games, Ohio
- 2015 – 3rd, National Senior Games, Minnesota
- 2023 – 1st, National Senior Games, Pennsylvania (beat Michigan in finals), undefeated for the season.
More Team Highlights
- From 1996 through 2024, the Silver Spirits claimed the North Carolina Senior Games title every year except four, when they finished in second place.
- From 2002 through 2012, they won the West Virginia Senior Olympics six times and placed second twice.
- From 2004 to 2019, the team won the gold medal in the Virginia Senior Olympics eight times and the silver medal twice.
Other Honors:
- 2003 Laurel Wreath Award from NC Governor Mike Easley for outstanding contributions to sports or athletics
- Halftime performances at NC 4A High School Championships, Charlotte Hornets, Wake Forest women’s basketball, and the Women’s NCAA Tournament
- Featured on WXII’s I Dare Dan (2000) and WGHP’s Roy’s Folks (2003)
Camaraderie, Travel, and Memories
From California to Florida, Arkansas to New Mexico, the Silver Spirits proudly represented Davie County and the state of North Carolina. They wore matching shirts when they traveled to showcase the Senior Games. “We may not have always played well, but we always looked good,” joked Coach Carter.
Travel gave them more than trophies — it gave them memories to treasure. “We saw lots of things we wouldn’t have seen without being a part of the Spirits,” said Sue, sharing that the team always visited national parks and local attractions. Libby Williard’s favorite was the Grand Canyon, and Nancy Haynes once said she’d never have gone anywhere without the team.
Never Counted Out
Both Lois and Vickie called the 2023 National Games their career highlight. “People had already counted us out,” said Vickie. “They said we’d never beat Michigan, but we beat them both games. When we got into our rhythm, we were unstoppable.”
Legends in the Making
Coach Vanessa remembers their prime: “They PLAYED basketball. People came just to watch them. Charlotte had an awesome 3-point shot and a great hook shot. Sue also had a great hook and could hit shots off the left side all day. Rachel was lightning fast, while Alice and Lois were great on defense. Vickie, Libby, and Nancy hit a high percentage of shots within the 3-second lane. Nancy had quick hands on defense and could steal the ball away before you could shoot a rabbit. Wanda could score from anywhere. Aileen was tough at driving to the basket, and Kay had long arms and was good at rebounding.”
“After a few years of winning, everyone knew who the Silver Spirits were. I’d see teams look at the schedules and groan when they saw us. They had a reputation for playing well — and they earned it through practice and passion.”
Over the years, that toughness never faded. “We’ve always ended up with bruises all over us, and other teams called us rough,” Sue said with a smile.
Silver Spirits Forever
The team decided to retire in 2025, bringing to a close their journey as reigning national champions in the 80+ division. Their formula for success? Love of the game, consistent practice, mutual respect, and friendship.
“We are a family and support each other on and off the court,” said Alice.
“Might still get together to play if someone wanted to challenge us,” Sue added with a grin.
Their physical and mental activity, unwavering support from their families, and desire to keep moving have kept them strong.
Final Buzzer — But the Spirit Lives On
The Town of Mocksville and Davie County Senior Services will honor the Silver Spirits with a jersey retirement ceremony on October 23rd — a fitting tribute to a team that never quit and never backed down.
The Silver Spirits are the embodiment of a quote by Benjamin Franklin that serves as the North Carolina Senior Games motto — “We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.”
Carrie Miller, Davie County Senior Games coordinator, summed it up perfectly: “They are the epitome of aging with purpose and show that no matter your age, you can still participate in team sports.”
Mocksville Mayor Will Marklin added, “The mental and social benefits of team sports far outweigh the physical benefits, especially as we move into our senior years. The Silver Spirits are a testament to the power of play and serve as examples for each of us to continually keep moving to prolong our physical, mental, and social well-being.”
For the Silver Spirits, it was never just about the scoreboard — it was about the journey, the bond, and the joy of the game. Their story will forever inspire generations to keep playing, keep dreaming, and keep moving.