This season of roller derby has really kicked my butt in the best way. It’s my third season with the Bayou City Bosses [but 4th year on skates], as well as my third season with the Knockouts. I feel like I’m coming into my prime and getting out of my head a bit more. If you’ve ever played sports, you know that half the battle is in your mind. Confidence will get you.
Sometimes it feels surreal that I skate with the ladies I idolized before making the league. They are so fast and hit so hard and play so smart. Sometimes they will compliment me. WHAT. Are you talking to me?? For example, some of my teammates joke around and call me “twinkle toes.” I think I’ve mentioned it before, but my best improvement from season one has to be footwork. I’m more agile than ever [thanks, Crossfit Caveman!], especially since I ordered my new skates. Love my Bonts.
[[Shout out to my friend Patti Painz [in the process of hitting me above]. She broke her leg in three places shortly after this photograph and is out for a while.
I miss her!!]]
It’s fun looking back on bout photographs [Thanks PhotoFinish!] and seeing what it looks like when I am caught in a pile up, or sandwiched between several blockers. Sometimes our photographers capture the funniest and coolest moments, too.
There’s so much that goes on behind the scenes and before a game. I highly recommend you check out any roller derby league in your area. These are some amazing people [skaters, Derby Brothers, refs, NSOs, and photographers!], who do it all for free!!
Special thanks to PhotoFinish Art and Photography for letting me use the sweet shots they captured during out April game.
Want to know more? Check out my roller derby feature on The Clueless Girl’s Guide as well as Houston Roller Derby on the web.
xoxo
I love this! I found your blog via Kaelah when she posted your spotlight for Rad Job and it was such an "ah ha!" moment. I've been thinking about roller derby a lot (similar story-watched Whip It a bazillion times and had a run in with the DC Roller Girls at a bridal show [What is my life]) and reading your blog has given me the push to really start to look into it! I love your honesty about the difficulty of the sport (both mentally and physically). You are quite the inspiration 🙂
I've always wanted to participate in derby but I have a pretty severe joint injury in my arm and am afraid that something might happen to worsen it. 🙁 These photos are awesome, though, and it was neat to look through your derby journey!
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I've always wanted to go watch the Charm City Roller Girls in my city! You're inspiring me to do that more and more 🙂
– sarah
I found your blog through your post on The Clueless Girl's Guide and i'm so glad I did because now I am planning on attending the June bootcamp! I've always wanted to try derby and i've been trying to psyche myself up to do it since I moved back to the Houston area and this was just the push I needed. Can't wait!
-Meagan
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I had a dream once of being a roller derby girl. You ladies are my idols! WE go to local bouts whenever we can. Such a fun way to spend the evening!