Roller derby unleashed and unfiltered
By Amare Kaainoa ‘24
Jammer “Rolling Thunder” skating through the pack.
Courtesy of Mckay Grundstein-Helvey
In the vibrant world of roller derby, the Rose City Rollers (RCR) shine as a beacon of empowerment for Portland’s youth. Despite its rising popularity, roller derby often falls prey to misconceptions – from the belief that all players are inherently mean and violent to the stereotype that it's merely a sensual spectacle.
The Rose City Rollers, a roller derby league based in Portland, Oregon, make their motto crystal clear by stating, “The Rose City Rollers mission is to serve women, girls, and gender-expansive individuals who want to play the team sport of roller derby, connect with an inclusive community, and realize their power both on skates and off.”
The league has achieved these goals of inclusivity while maintaining its status as the #1 roller derby league in the world. The Wheels of Justice, RCR’s adult all-stars team, are 4-time world champions (2015, 2016, 2018, 2019), while the Rosebuds All-Stars (ages 12-18) took home a national trophy in 2022. Six players from the Rosebuds All-Stars made Team USA in 2023, taking gold in the World Cup.
Far from the stereotypes of aggression, the league focuses on teamwork, skill-building, and creating a supportive community. Like other sports, roller derby is not just a game; it's a space where athletes can discover their strength, resilience, and camaraderie, fostering personal growth and empowerment.
“Road Run-Her-Over” (324) and “Scar” (503) going head to head.
Courtesy of Mckay Grundstein-Helvey
One of the enduring myths surrounding roller derby is the perception that players are cruel, mean, and violent. It can be understood why some might mistake roller derby as a sport based on force and disorder. The fierce makeup, alter-ego nicknames, cold glares at the pivot line (starting line), and full-contact body slamming do not showcase the kind words and cheerful moments shared between players off the track (the surface roller derby is played on, as seen above).
Sloane Warmkessel, also known as Roadkill, is a senior at Catlin Gabel and a blocker for the Bleeding Hearts. They disagree with the assumption that all players are intimidating, saying “I am quite frankly the opposite. I like to think I'm a threat but I'm not.” Instead, they would describe their teammates as “supportive and constantly looking out for me.”
Quicksilva (Violent Francis), a jammer for the Undead Avengers and Rosebuds national all-stars team, added to this by saying, “It’s a tough sport so strength is super important but off the track, everyone's super nice.”
Roadkill believes one of the largest misconceptions is that the game is just “a bunch of people pushing each other around the track,” when in reality, the sport is governed by rules and strategies that emphasize fair play and sportsmanship. Roller derby athletes are skilled, disciplined, and committed to their teams.
Quicksilva confronts a second stereotype – the notion that roller derby is an oversexualized spectacle, with participants reduced to nothing more than “a group of women in fishnets and makeup bumping into each other.” In truth, roller derby is a legitimate and demanding sport that requires strength, agility, and strategic thinking. While some athletes may choose to express themselves through unique and creative uniforms, the focus remains on their skills and athleticism rather than on appearances.
RCR, like many roller derby leagues, actively promotes diversity within its ranks. Roller derby welcomes individuals of all body types, backgrounds, and genders, fostering a community that values differences and encourages self-expression. By embracing diversity, roller derby challenges societal norms and provides a platform where everyone can feel seen, heard, and celebrated.
These elements of inclusivity can be especially important in the junior programs (ages 7-18) by fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment when children may be struggling with accepting parts of their identity. The RCR junior program not only teaches Portland’s youth to be accepting and respectful of everyone around them but also to show equal respect towards themselves. To play with tooth and nail, hit hard, and still offer a hand.
The RCR and roller derby as a whole stand as powerful examples of how even the most underrated and overlooked sports can have the strongest players. By dispelling stereotypes, challenging misconceptions, and fostering a community of support, roller derby continues to redefine itself as a legitimate and empowering sport. As the Rose City Rollers roll forward, their impact on breaking down barriers and promoting empowerment serves as an inspiration for athletes and fans alike.