Why I Love Being a Roller Girl

Before last June, the most interesting story I could tell at a party was that my sister is a clown (truth!). Guaranteed, this conversation would go on for at least the next 15 minutes. I loved pulling it out because it instantly made me the most captivating person at the party even though I share none of her talent.

But now I have an interesting line to drop that is actually about me- I play roller derby. That’s right, I play women’s flat track roller derby; I am a roller girl. I was part of Charm City Roller Girls league down in Baltimore, and now I am in the process of transferring to the Long Island Roller Rebels.

When I drop this tidbit at a party, it usually halts any other conversation that was going on and begins a barrage of questions.
     Oh is that like that thing from the 70’s / that movie with that chick in it?
         (No, it is never more specific than that)]
     So you like totally beat up other girls, right?     Do you have a cool name?
While I love to answer those questions and explain exactly what derby is, I also like to tell people what I think are the cooler parts about it that most people miss:

• All of the leagues are completely run by the skaters and volunteers. It is so beautiful to see volunteers getting involved simply because they have something to contribute and think roller derby is great. It is also great to see all the athletes take responsibility for their league, and it helps everyone to appreciate how much work goes into the league.
• The DIY strategy wouldn’t work so well if roller derby did not bring together such diverse people as it does. Roller girls and volunteers come from all backgrounds, all professions, all ages, all stages of life. Together, we can tackle any obstacle from creating the art for bout posters or rigging sound and lighting to writing league by-laws or filing taxes. Socially, the diversity is really great too. There are opportunities to make new interesting friends, get involved in new activities as well as get advice, recommendations, babysitters, jobs and more.
• The diversity part also tickles my feminist fancy because we have women of all shapes and sizes that are awesome at what they do. I used to play basketball and lacrosse, and most of the players looked pretty similar. Since there are different positions and different strategies of play, not everyone has to have the same speed, strength and size to excel at roller derby. There is even a place for awkwardly tall and lanky women like me (as soon as we get comfortable being 4 more inches off the ground and on wheels).
• Roller girls aren’t “too cool” for pads. We wear knee pads, elbow pads, wrist guards, helmets AND mouth guards. We have to wear ALL our gear in practice and games, and most of us wear at least some of the pads when we skate recreationally. It is nice to not feel pressured to be “tough” and risk seriously injuring a vital body part. I think this is a pressure that skateboarders and many other extreme sports feel. I also feel good knowing that we set a good example for young people.

These are my favorite parts about derby, but I think everyone has their own. Some people love the names and outfits. Others just like it as an interesting way to work out or release aggression. I have always been a team sport athlete so I know the great feeling you get from being on a team, but many of the women that join derby are feeling this camaraderie for the first time. I am glad to be a part of a sport that gives adult women that opportunity.

I know you’ve been wondering, “What’s your derby name?”, but I can’t tell you yet. My alter-ego and boutfit aren’t quite ready for the public eye. But watch out! I’ll be on the prowl soon enough!