Women over 50 in San Diego are finding friendship and fun with WOAH GIRLS, a group hosting vibrant activities like kickball and hikes.
SAN DIEGO — Women aged 50 and over in San Diego are finding fun and friendship through a vibrant community called WOAH GIRLS. Founded by Joni Coci, a former Marine who moved to the area six years ago, the group — which stands for Women, Outdoors, Active & Happy, Gathering in Real Life — has grown to include over 2,400 members.
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Coci started the club to address her own struggle to connect with like-minded women who enjoy staying active.
“In all honesty, I was struggling to make friends that like to do things,” she said.
The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with Coci noting, “Oh yeah, lots of friends, lots of friends.”
The WOAH GIRLS host a variety of activities throughout San Diego County, including inflatable kickball games, scavenger hunts, and hiking excursions.
“Managed chaos, but super fun,” said a woman dressed up as a giant panda.
Members are encouraged to participate in “fun” events scheduled largely on weekends to accommodate those who still work.
Recently, the group hosted a kickball game where Coci dressed as a sumo wrestler playfully introduced the sport amidst inflatable animals on the field. The vibe is as magical as a giant unicorn which just happened to be standing on first base.
Membership in WOAH GIRLS is free, although the group is exclusive to women over 50.
“Yes, although if you are 49 and 3/4 we let you in,” Coci joked.
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The club aims to foster community and camaraderie, emphasizing the importance of staying active and socially engaged as women age.
“I understand it’s not easy for some women to just join a group of strangers to participate in activities,” Coci said.
For anyone interested in joining the fun, more information about the WOAH GIRL is available on Facebook.