Greg Simmer
Author of I Just Want to Play
Greg grew up loving the game of hockey — the early mornings, the frozen rinks, the bus rides, and the friendships that came with it. Through years of ups and downs, hockey became a major part of his life, eventually leading him to a New Jersey Devils (NHL) Training Camp and a three-year career in professional hockey.
While the game brought competition and opportunity, it also taught Greg some of life's greatest lessons about perseverance, teamwork, family, and believing in yourself. But most importantly, it reminded him that sports are supposed to be FUN.
That love of the game didn't stop when Greg hung up his skates. As a coach, he's mentored young athletes across multiple sports — including several who went on to play at the NCAA and NFL level — always with the same message: play for the love of it, and the rest takes care of itself.
As a father, coach, businessman, and lifelong sports enthusiast, Greg saw how much pressure can sometimes take away from the joy kids should experience while playing youth sports. That realization inspired him to begin writing children's books focused on friendship, confidence, laughter, and simply loving the game.
I Just Want to Play is Greg's first children's book — and the start of a series built to help kids dream big, play hard, and never lose the MAGIC of being a child.