Waco Six Shooters Granny Basketball Team

07/31/2026

It’s time to hear about our youngest Waco Six Shooter, Ashlee Krienke!! Ashlee has been on the Waco Six Shooters for three seasons . When she isn't rocking it on the court, she serves our veterans as a dedicated nurse and published author. She is married to Brian and is blessed with two amazing sons.
In high school, Ashlee was selected to play goalie on the all-boys soccer team . She also competed in volleyball, basketball , softball and track . She was named Athlete of the Year , Basketball MVP, and was free throw and shot put champion.
She is a firm believer in her faith - "the moment you give up , you've already lost."
Her favorite scriptures are Joshua 1:9 and Isaiah 40:31.
I’m proud to continue my passion of playing basketball while giving back to our community. Granny Basketball has opened up a whole new world of friendships. I’m very grateful for my teammates, and my coach ,they have been an absolute joy ! Coach, Linda Gilliam, says “ Ashlee is the kind of player every coach hopes to have on their team. She is eager to learn, works tirelessly in practice, and is always striving to improve. Her love for the game of basketball extends beyond the court—she treasures being part of a team and values the family atmosphere that basketball creates. Because of that passion, Ashlee gives her all, not only to the game but also to her teammates. She is kind, caring, generous, and genuinely humble. She leads by example through her attitude, work ethic, and willingness to put the team’s success ahead of her own. Ashlee embodies the true meaning of being a team player and represents the very best qualities of an athlete and teammate.”

07/04/2026

Let’s talk about our coach, Linda Gilliam, of the Waco Six Shooters! Linda was married 40 years to Bobby Gilliam who was President of Methodist Children’s Home. Linda was a licensed clinical social worker with her masters. She has 3 living children, Luke, Rebekah and Leah and the loss of Rachel at birth. She has 2 grandchildren, Caroline and Travis.
Linda attended Robinson and as a Rockette. Her team won state in 1970 and attending state again in 71 and 72. Her volleyball team also went to state in 71 and 72. Linda was privileged to play basketball for 3 years at Baylor University from 1973-75and volleyball 1974-75. Linda is one of the original players for Waco Six Shooters and has been the coach for those 5 years. She says, “I never dreamed that I would be able to play basketball again although I dreamed of it plenty. Coaching would have been my second dream and I’m blessed to be able to do this in my later life. Having a team and friendships from all over is beyond the dream. The ladies of the Six Shooters are the best and I’m totally blessed.” Assistant Coach, Karla Desper says,“Linda is the best coach ever. She is always working hard to improve everyone’s game.
She is a motivator and encourager. Also, she is instrumental in starting new teams in Texas and always is there to train new referees and lend a hand at tournaments or national Granny basketball business
Granny Basketball 🏀 is her passion.” Player, Jerri Cunningham says, “Linda is a coach, friend, mentor, leader, organizer, and the list goes on, for our team! We are so blessed to have her lead our team.”

06/26/2026

06/25/2026

Meet Waco Six Shooters, Nola Saldana. Nola was born on the Reservation and joined the military after high school. She is a United States Navy Combat Veteran Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She is the mother of four, two are in the military and Gammie to four beautiful grands. She works in mental health at the VA Hospital and about to retire after 30 years. She is the first female Commander of Foreign Wars Post 2148. First female District Commander VFW District 29. Nola played basketball in high school and the Navy. She loves the camaraderie and the friendships Granny Basketball brings all of us. She says, “It’s being part of something much bigger than each of us. Being a part of a group that cherishes each and every one of us is extremely important tofor my mental health.” Coach Linda Gilliam says, “ Nola is a very competitive basketball player and will strive hard to improve and be the best she can be. She is not just a star on the court, but her depth of giving to veterans is unsurpassed. She has earned many awards as a Navy veteran and has brought honor to her Native American heritage. She is also a wonderful mother and a wonderful grandmother. We are proud to have Nola as part of our tribe.”

06/19/2026

Meet Karrie Crosby, PA-C, a family medicine physician assistant at BSW-Hillcrest. She joined the Waco Six Shooters Granny Basketball team two years ago. Karrie says the team has become like family. She also says, “Now this is something I can play as long as my body allows me to do so-especially seeing all these ladies in their 70s and 80s who can kick my butt. It’s highly competitive and a very physically active sport.” Coach, Linda Gilliam says, “Karrie has brought a lot of talent and basketball sense to this team. She can play any position and does it with intensity and willingness to give her best. As part of this team, she always has positive comments for all and helps us all feel good about ourselves. Combine all that together, she is an all around great player and person.”

06/08/2026

Get your game tickets and raffle tickets now and save!!!

04/12/2026

Waco Six Shooters Granny Basketball player, Jerri Cunningham, is an original Six Shooter!!! She brings pure joy to our team❤️Jerri says, “I love granny basketball for the camaraderie and competition. It makes me feel like a kid again. I also love the fact that it gives me the opportunity to participate in charity work for our team’s charity, Friends for Life. The team has given me wonderful friendships. Love that I’m part of a team.” Our coach, Linda Gilliam says “Jerri is the sweetest, kindest person I’ve ever met and she has such a gentle spirit. She is full of joy and compassion for others. On the court, she’s shown determination and drive to become a better player and she has improved ten fold. Her positive influence is part of the fabric of the team. It would not be the same without her.”

04/05/2026

Come watch the Waco Six Shooters, Oklahoma Twisters, and the Killeen Heatwaves play Granny Basketball 🏀

04/01/2026

Waco Six Shooters want to show our appreciation for our Assistant Coach, Karla Desper. This is what she says about basketball.

“This is what I am passionate about getting to play granny basketball
It is great exercise for my mind and body.
I love the grannies ! Our teammates encourage each other, we are a tribe that-has fun and fellowship. A bonus is also getting to meet so many other amazing grannies.” This is what Coach Linda Gilliam says about Karla. “Karla is a warm, kind and friendly person. She has all the characteristics to make a great leader. She is an awesome basketball player who understands the game of basketball. No wonder she is the assistant coach. Proud she is my friend.”

03/25/2026

It’s that time of the year coming up!! Waco Six Shooters and Friends for Life Famous Friends are facing off July 11th to raise money for the best charity, Friends for Life. A fun event with many opportunities to support Friends. We need sponsors, so if you are interested, message me, I will see you get a sponsor form. We also need raffle prizes and silent auction items. Message me or stop by the office at 5000 Lakewood for a form. ❤️🏀