Aileen Gaumond spent 20 years as an electrician at a time when women were rarely welcomed in construction, earning her place in the union and working on everything from high-rises to tunnels. Along the way, she raised two elite U.S. Figure Skating athletes, returned to school for graphic design, and later taught everything from computers to electrical skills in a youth maximum-security prison, earning respect through strength, skill, and authenticity.

Now in her 70s, Aileen plays senior softball, golfs, bikes long distances, and works concerts and sporting events in the Denver, Colorado area for fun. After multiple joint replacements and surgeries, she proudly says that even though she isn’t an elite athlete, she feels incredibly lucky to still be playing, learning, and thriving.

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Stephen Matakovich, better known as "Tako" in the Senior Softball circuit, grew up just outside Pittsburgh as a proud Pitt fan and someone who still builds his daily life around staying active. He was a die-hard baseball player growing up, dreaming of playing in the big leagues and winning the state championship in high school. He also enjoyed football, basketball, and martial arts in his youth. However, the sport that has remained during his life is the one Stephen found in the military: softball. Over the years, it has helped him mentally and physically get through hard times.

No longer involved in law enforcement and working in heating and cooling, Stephen trains year-round, works with a hitting coach, and credits a healthy lifestyle, supported by his wife, who is devoted to holistic nutrition, for keeping him competitive with fellow senior players. He has played at the Huntsman World Senior Games, traveled to tournaments with his family, and says nothing compares to the camaraderie and fun of senior softball.

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Isabel Eliashev grew up in Venezuela and came to the United States as an international student, eventually earning a track scholarship at the New York Institute of Technology, all before becoming a U.S. citizen. She went from learning English through her track coach to building a lifelong career in education. Today, in addition to teaching Spanish and coaching cross country, she serves as the Head of School at Alpharetta International Academy in Georgia.

Isabel’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. She was the first Latina to run with the historic New York Pioneer Track Club and now honors her late coach through the annual Ed Levy 5K. At 52, she competes around the world in masters track, from Sweden to the Huntsman World Senior Games, while inspiring her students, her children, and her community to stay active.

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