Roller Derby Chronicles: A Saga of Speed, Grit, and Resilience

In the bustling streets of 1930s Chicago during the Great Depression, Leo Seltzer’s mind ignited with a spark; a visionary entrepreneur, fueled by a desire to bring joy and excitement to the masses, pondering the possibilities of a new form of entertainment. From the ashes of economic hardship emerged an idea that would revolutionize the sporting world forever: roller derby.

The year was 1935 when Seltzer’s vision became reality. The Chicago Coliseum buzzed with anticipation as crowds gathered to witness the inaugural roller derby match. Teams of skaters circled a banked track, adorned in vibrant uniforms, crackling with electricity. It was a spectacle unlike anything the world had seen before—a fusion of speed, skill, and showmanship that left spectators breathless.

As the years rolled by, roller derby evolved from a novel concept into a cultural phenomenon. The 1940s and 1950s saw the sport reach new heights of popularity, propelled by the advent of television. Viewers across the nation tuned in to watch roller derby’s larger-than-life personalities, like Ann Calvello and Joanie Weston, battle it out on the track. Co-ed teams, scripted storylines, and fierce rivalries added to the drama, captivating audiences and cementing roller derby’s status as a beloved pastime.

But like any great saga, roller derby had its share of challenges. By the 1970s, the sport had begun to lose some of its luster, fading into obscurity as other forms of entertainment took center stage. Yet, roller derby’s spirit could not be extinguished. In the early 2000s, a grassroots movement emerged, driven by a new generation of skaters determined to breathe new life into the sport.

With the rise of social media, roller derby found a new platform to connect with fans and spread its message of empowerment and inclusivity. Leagues sprang up around the world, each one adding its own unique flavor to the sport. Roller derby was back, and it was bigger and better than ever before.

Amidst this roller derby renaissance, a new chapter unfolded in the life of one passionate skater. In 2010, I discovered my love for roller derby and dove headfirst into the exhilarating world of derby bouts, practices, and camaraderie. For nearly five years, I immersed myself in the sport, relishing every moment on the track and cherishing the bonds forged with my teammates.

However, life had other plans, and a decade-long hiatus beckoned. But as fate would have it, the roller derby bug never truly left me. Last year, fueled by a burning desire to rediscover the thrill of the track, I made the decision to lace up my skates once more. Joining a local team (kind of… they are over an hour away from me), I embarked on a journey of rediscovery, eager to reclaim the passion that had ignited my love for roller derby a decade earlier.

This past weekend marked a significant milestone in my roller derby journey as I skated in my first bout back in 10 years! The rush of adrenaline, the roar of the crowd, and the camaraderie of my teammates reaffirmed what I had known all along: roller derby was my calling. So much so that I’ve decided to double down on my commitment to the sport, joining not one, but two teams in pursuit of my derby dreams. (The second team being nearly two hours away from me in a completely different direction!)

The strategy of the game has significantly changed in the time I was absent, and the rules have changed a bit as well. I am older now and heavier, and need to get back in shape, but I’ll tell you what – my brain remembers exactly what to do. Would you like me to share a cross-training plan with you? Tell me below!

When I first started I joined a brand new team that worked hard to be present – sadly some time after I’d stopped skating that team dissolved. The first team I joined upon my return happens to be the very first team in Wyoming. NOW the second team I’ve joined is one I never thought I would – they were a direct rival of my first team, BUT the beautiful women that comprise that team are wonderful people that I skated with in my previous derby life and I’m so happy to be back on the track no matter who it may be with.

As I look ahead to the future, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for the adventures that lie ahead. Roller derby has not only reignited my passion for the sport but has also provided me with a community of like-minded individuals who share my love for speed, grit, and resilience. With each stride on the track, I am reminded of the indomitable spirit of roller derby — a sport that continues to inspire, empower, and unite us all.

So, here’s to the next chapter of my roller derby journey, filled with thrills, spills, and endless possibilities. As I skate into the unknown, I do so with a heart full of gratitude for the sport that has given me so much and a spirit fueled by the unwavering determination to chase my derby dreams wherever they may lead. Not to mention the sisterhood that only derby can provide.

xoxo
-S