Fresh off the rink from their first bout in Indianapolis, The Pulse caught up with the Rollergirls as they neared the end of practice.
Though most of them are red-faced and winded, smiles and laughter abound. For a year now, the girls have been practicing twice a week, skating races and relays. They’ve sharpened their blocking and weaving skills, performed drills and held regular scrimmages to get into top form in preparation for upcoming bouts in Nashville and around the Southeast.
All founding members credit Michelle Weaver (Mayhem N. Suze) with getting them out onto the stone cold concrete floor of the Tennessee State Fairground Sports Arena on Nolensville Road.
In a year’s time, the Rollergirls have come from one girl’s inspiration into bonafide contenders in kneepads and helmets. Last winter, as Weaver pounded away on her elliptical machine, she was watching the series Rollergirls on A&E TV and wondering if there was anything of the sort around this area. After finding the nearest in Atlanta, Weaver felt the need to bring roller derby action to Middle Tennessee, considering it a viable alternative to the stationary machine she slaved away upon to keep in shape.
“I thought, if Atlanta can do it, we’ve got to do it,” she says.
So Michelle grabbed up her girls Alison Swetlick and Chrissy Damico and headed to the Smyrna skating rink to hone up on their skills.
Now the Rollergirls boast over 30 members with their first home bout coming up on Feb. 10, a duel between the Nashville Rollergirls and Nashville’s other flat-track team, the Damsels of Distress.
“I’m unbelievably proud of how far we’ve come as a team,” remarks medically sidelined merchandise representative Kat Strickler, who can’t wait to get back into the rink.
Despite the risks and dangerous curves, the girls all seem eager to skate. Not only is it great exercise and a good excuse to get out with friends, it’s a very appealing stress reliever, too.
“After a bad day at work, I can come here and release all that aggression. It’s great therapy,” shares Weaver.
Luckily, she’s surrounded by very cool chicks who understand and relate.
Murfreesboro resident Sera Mogan (Red Vag of Courage) gets it. “There’s something very therapeutic about spending two hours with these girls in a full contact sport, knocking each other down and shoving each other around then being cool when it’s all over.”
The Rollergirls are always up for new recruits if you’re so inclined. The only requirement is to first be female, of course (according to penalty tracker Santana, men are “delegated to subordinate males roles,” like referees, scorekeepers and, well, penalty trackers), and you have to be at least 21, but experience is optional.
“I can teach anyone to skate,” Informs Blue Hancock (Blucifer), who’s coached girls who could hardly stand on skates into fierce blockers and jammers.
The best thing about being part of the Rollergirls, suggests Weaver, are the Rollergirls themselves.
“I love the camaraderie! I’ve got all these great girlfriends now and we have such a good time. Most nights I can’t wait to get here.”
The Rollergirls hope to bring all the Tennessee roller derby leagues to Nashville for a championship tournament this summer, but in the meantime, get out and show your support of these badass local girls as they demolish the competition.
Next up for the Rollergirls:
The Battle for Nashville, Feb. 10 at the Tenn, State Fairgrounds on Nolensville Road. Tickets are $10 through nashvillerollergirls.com
or $15 at the door.
