Skating my Own Story

As a new skater with Jerzey Derby Brigade, I see skaters in all different spots and levels and love hearing the stories of how they have gotten there. I have never felt rushed to become a rostered skater because I realize the dedication and time that it takes to make it that far. Since joining Jerzey Derby Brigade, I have personally watched DeadPoole move up from a fresh meat to skating in her first scrimmage/game. Seeing someone who was in my position when I met her and now has accomplished so much excites me to reach that level. There are some that have been fresh meats for a year and others who have been on the team for over five years. Californikate had once told me that with dedication after never being on skates, she was rostered in six months. Seeing the different levels tells me that I can do this at my own pace.

Originally joining Jerzey Derby Brigade to play roller derby was an exciting yet nerve wracking experience. I wasn’t sure what to expect after seeing the way roller derby was portrayed in movies and on television. I decided to join because of my passion for being on skates. I started on roller blades when I was seven years old and have loved it ever since.

The reason I decided to stay involved with Jerzey Derby Brigade was much more than just my passion for skating. My first night coming to the rink, I saw how good everyone was and suddenly felt a burst of excitement. I wanted to skate the way they were and to be able to join the close community that they all seemed to share. That same weekend, I went to another practice and was able to get on quad skates. To my surprise, I nearly fell down! I did not expect to struggle right away. It took me the entire practice to get used to my new skates but once I did, I began learning basic skills. Basic skate skills were much more challenging than I expected. I originally expected to be able to join right in and skate with the team within weeks. I soon learned that roller derby takes skill, passion, and commitment. During the start of my “fresh meat” training, I even contemplated giving up a few times.

I am still in “fresh meat” training, and very happy to be. The team welcomes their training members into the Jerzey Derby Brigade family. We not only work together on skates, but off skates as well. The team has a special bond and they invite newcomers in with open arms. In the few months I have been with JDB, I have grown to love the team and coming to practice is my favorite part of the week. There are challenges that come with being new but the rostered skaters have told me their stories and each one’s experience is unique. When I put on my skates, I have my own story that is being written and I cannot wait to tell future trainees my story.

To learn more about joining Jerzey Derby Brigade, check out www.jerzeyderby.com and come to our Recruitment Night on March 3rd.