Transitions are the uncomfortable, in-between moments that bridge our pasts to our futures. In roller derby, many of us look to cope with, grow from, or even kick the butts of our pasts through physically demanding and totally rad athleticism. My transition from Enchanted Mountain Roller Derby, a strong and scrappy group of amazing women in a rural community, to Queen City Roller Girls, a dynamic and powerful league in an urban community, is truly just beginning and yet there is already so much learned.
That first day I showed up for boot camp feeling nervous and trying to not have any expectations for how things might go. I took some pride in the fact that my gear was battle scarred and hoped that I would look confident despite my nerves. In those first moments I realized that I would learn a boat load of new skills, techniques, and strategies from a range of skaters with a range of experiences. I also realized that I would learn about a boat load of ladies who are mothers, teachers, chefs, fellow social workers, artists, world travelers, and pretty much modern day heroes. The athleticism of roller derby is impossible to disentangle from the interpersonal relationships formed within the team- the sisterhood of the sport.
That first practice I missed my home league- with its predictable drills and predictably warm yet badass faces. I felt a bit like a traitor. In joining roller derby in 2013, I found a family in a new town, so to move away and start a new family elsewhere did feel a bit like an affair. My EMRD family had supported me through a Master’s Degree and a divorce. They had been there for me as roommates, as shoulders to cry on, as celebrators of my successes, as cross country travel buds, as dog-sitters, and surrogate sisters. Leaving a league might seem like a minor change, but the nature of the sport makes it so that the life you live, the lives of your teammates, and your collective derby culture are interwoven.
It has been a remarkable few months. From September to now, I have made some great connections with fellow skates in their own transitions. Some skaters are returning from having babies, some are returning after injuries from last season, some from juniors to the adult league, and some are transfers like me. Now that the draft is over, there is the opportunity to build even more cohesive relationships with our teammates. The Devil Dollies take off skates derby activities pretty seriously. We have homework on the regular- writing assignments, watching videos, off skates work outs, etc. That is totally new for me. While EMRD encouraged these things there were no assignments. As a person who just finished grad school and feels a void left by no longer having to write massive research papers, I really appreciate the homework. One other thing that is quite new to me is the use of online forums, and social media to keep one another accountable, communicate about our practices, goals, and upcoming events. QCRG is really good at communication. We all find out details for upcoming events, expectations for our participation, practice outlines, and more, on both the forum and social media as a means to ensure that no one is left out of the know. It is work to keep up with, but it’s the kind of work you whistle while you do.
~Hebrew Hammer