A true guardian in the valley is a woman who wears two hats. Her co-workers call her assistant Chief of Police, but the other group simply says, hey coach.
“We’re all exhausted our jobs very long hours, my job right now is a seven day a week job,” said Phoenix Assistant Chief of Police Mary Roberts.
Roberts doesn’t take off her badge when walks out the doors. Chief Roberts is on call 24/7. That doesn’t stop her from getting hands-on and giving back to the Special Olympics community. On weekends, you can catch her on the sidelines coaching adult unified basketball.
“Honestly this team has gotten to my heart from day one and it’s almost been two years, I’ve been with them every single Saturday,” said Chief Roberts.
“She means a lot, kind of like my personal trainer. It’s great to have that I want you to win mentality. I want to score all the time confidence,” said Special Olympics Arizona athlete, David Williams.
Chief Roberts doesn’t want to let the team down since they’ve had so much experience with disappointment and it’s not coming from her.
Assistant Chief Roberts’ boss, Chief Jeri Williams isn’t surprised by her dedication to her athletes.
“Mary is a rockstar, she is one person who just can’t give you half of herself. She’s all in or not in once so ever,” said Phoenix Police Chief Jeri Williams.
Her team is so committed, they were selected to compete in the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi representing the United States where they finished in 4th place.
Williams adds, “I’m thrilled that she’s the coach for Special Olympics she’s got the heart and passion, and challenge her to a hoop game because she can play some hoop too.”
