SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — For most people, picking up a basketball for the first time at age 56 would seem unlikely. For Dan Godfrey, it became a life-changing passion.
Today, 20 years later, the retired 76-year-old can still be found on the basketball court at Syracuse University’s Barnes Center, proving that age is just another obstacle to overcome.
“I start to get in this mode where I might as well be in my teens again,” said Godfrey, who served an eight-year term as chair of the music department at Northeastern University, following multiple roles at Syracuse University. “Then I just forget about it and have a good time.”
Dan Godfrey, 76, takes a shot in the Flanagan Gymnasium at Syracuse University.
Basketball was not always a part of Godfrey’s life. In fact, the Skaneateles resident says sports were often a source of frustration growing up.
“I’d be the last kid picked for anything in recess and all of that,” said Godfrey. “So, I’m kind of healing that when I play basketball.”
His basketball journey began thanks to a friendship with fellow player and Syracuse University staff member Bob Lee, who remembers Godfrey approaching him after seeing him head to the gym.
Godfrey poses next to Milroy Stanislaus, who was one of his new teammates during a pickup game.
“One day, he came up to me and said, ‘I’d really like to do that too and get into it,’” Lee said. “I said, ‘Well, sure, anytime you want, come on.’”
Beyond the physical benefits, Godfrey says the game connects with another lifelong passion. As a nationally recognized and active music composer, he sees similarities between creating music and playing basketball.
“Just making the connection between basketball and composing seems kind of odd, but really there is a connection there in terms of how the physiology and the neurology interact,” said Godfrey.
Daniel S. Godfrey is an American composer and retired Syracuse University music professor.
His enthusiasm has also helped him build friendships on the court. Fellow pickup player Milroy Stanislaus recalls being surprised when Godfrey first asked to join a game.
“All of us were shocked because none of us actually thought we’d be playing against Dan,” said Stanislaus.
For Godfrey, every game is a reminder that it is never too late to discover something new.
©2026 Elliot Pototsky
