At 91 and with 93 grandkids, Orion Whitney continues to inspire by competing in tennis

At 91 years old, Orion Whitney is not just defying age—he’s embracing it with a tennis racquet in hand and gratitude in his heart.

Whitney is set to compete in the National Senior Games, which take place July 24 to Aug. 4 within the USTA Missouri Valley in Des Moines, Iowa, once again representing Oklahoma with the same tenacity and humility that have defined his long life and career.

Whitney’s tennis journey began humbly in the late 1940s on the now-closed courts of Castle Heights Military Academy in Tennessee. With a worn Jack Kramer racquet and the echo of his shots against the wall before reveille, Whitney was largely self-taught.

Inspired by his older brother, who was a member of the school’s tennis team, Whitney’s early athletic identity was forged not in tennis but as a 92-pound dynamo in the boxing ring. He captured the Mid-South boxing title at that weight, earning the nickname “a 92-pound package of dynamite”—a phrase still preserved in a yellowed newspaper clipping he cherishes to this day.

Whitney's Global Journey

Tennis didn’t become competitive for Whitney until 1958 while he was stationed in Alicante, Spain as a young U.S. Air Force lieutenant. There, at the Montemar Club, he learned to play on red clay courts located just across the sea from Palma de Mallorca, the birthplace of Rafael Nadal.

In a memorable exhibition match during Spanish-American Week, Whitney and a fellow USAF officer found themselves across the net from two of Spain’s top players. It was an experience equal parts humbling and humorous, one that solidified Whitney’s enduring respect for the game.

Following the loss of his first wife to cancer, Whitney returned to the U.S. with six children to raise on his own. Tennis remained in his life thanks in large part to Jim Provines, a fellow officer at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City and a highly respected military tennis player.

Under Provines’ mentorship Whitney learned the value of strategy, especially in doubles play—once even defeating an elite Army team thanks to Provines’ dominance and Whitney’s grit.

Whitney retired from the Air Force in 1978, remarried in 1988 and expanded his family to eight children. Over the years he and his wife, Hedi, built a close-knit tennis-playing tribe, with children and friends often entering tournaments in Oklahoma City, Yukon, Ada and beyond. Whitney recalled being the spark that sometimes added a dozen participants to a struggling local event simply by entering with his extended family.

Fitness & Faith

Today, Whitney’s training is modest but consistent. He walks or jogs 14 city blocks daily, mimicking tennis strokes as he goes.

“I use this time to talk to our precious Savior, Jesus Christ,” he said, reflecting his deep faith.

Though he seldom plays full matches anymore Whitney remains committed to wall practice at the Rose State College courts, sometimes joined by his grandsons for the occasional set.

Whitney’s accomplishments are remarkable. He proudly recalled earning the silver medal in the 85–89 age group at the 2019 National Senior Games in Albuquerque, calling it his proudest athletic moment despite the loss in the final.

One of his toughest memories came during the Florida Senior Games when he contracted the Covid Delta variant and nearly lost his life.

“My daughters kept me alive,” Whitney said, adding he walked through the hotel halls while nearly unconscious. “The good Lord brought me through.”

Heritage of Excellence

Whitney has 47 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. While time with each is limited, the legacy of love and perseverance he shares is abundant.

Whitney shared this advice to those considering playing tennis at any age.

“Don’t be impatient,” he said. “Tennis is frustrating at first. Get help with the fundamentals. And remember—the best players are those who didn’t quit when they were frustrated.”

While the 2025 National Senior Games in Des Moines are on the horizon, Whitney is already looking ahead with the 2027 National Senior Games set to take place in Tulsa.

“As long as the Lord leaves me here,” Whitney said, “I’ll keep playing.”

Editor’s Note: Due to personal circumstance, Orion Whitney will not compete at the 2025 National Senior Games.

View additional National Senior Games feature stories from across USTA Missouri Valley by clicking here.