Residents at Merrill Gardens at Willow Glen (CA) met 2017 Team USA gold medalist on Team USA in Beijing at the World Roller Games, Misty Greer, at the community’s History of Roller Derby event this month!

The community was connected with Misty Greer through Community Relations Director, Roxanne Weber. Roxanne began playing roller derby when she turned 50. Her sister and kids were involved with skating participating in referee and official positions and introduced her to the sport. Roxanne’s family would travel to different places to tournaments and away games – it was very much a family hobby and with that grew amazing connections to her teammates.

Misty Greer (derby name Pia Mess) and 14 of her teammates visited with residents and shared stories from their roller derby endeavors. The community displayed a collection of 40 t-shirts from leagues around the country, approximately 30 posters from events around the country, and 60 buttons from leagues and different skaters.

Willow Glen residents enjoyed meeting Roxanne’s former teammates, Brook Andrade of Team USA and Megan Newman of Team California. Misty Greer was Roxanne’s coach and teammate on the Silicon Valley Roller Girls derby team.

The community also hosted local 4th grade teacher and derby coach, Bridget Fitch, to present on the history of derby, how it is played, legal hitting zones, penalties, rules, etc.

Willow Glen residents appreciated interesting conversation and wished Misty good luck on her trip to the world games in Barcelona this summer.