The final home bout of the season for **Humboldt Roller Derby** took place on **October 28, 2023**, at Redwood Acres, drawing a lively crowd and showcasing competitive spirit. The event featured the travelling **Root Force (B)** facing off against **North Bay Derby** from Sonoma County, followed by a match between the **Redwood Rollers (A)** and **Misery Loves Company** from San Jose. The evening was filled with excitement as points were accrued towards rankings from the **Women’s Flat Track Derby Association** for local teams.
Adding to the festive atmosphere, over 50 local **Girl Scouts** attended the event. Their participation included cheering for the teams and engaging in various activities, which highlighted the sense of community surrounding the sport. Awards were presented to both local and visiting teams, celebrating achievements such as Most Valuable Blocker and Most Valuable Jammer.
One of the enthusiastic Girl Scouts, Winslow Stevenson, expressed her joy simply by stating, “Happy!” She was attending her first roller derby event and was encouraged by her scout leader, **Michelle**, to join the fun. Her sister, Kinsley, added that her favorite part was watching the skaters “fight” to outmaneuver each other.
**Courtney Loder**, a volunteer with the Girl Scouts, reflected on the experience, saying, “We were so excited to bring the Girl Scouts out to cheer on our local roller derby team. It was a powerful example of strength, teamwork, and inclusivity in action.” Loder noted that it was important for the youth to see the athletes as role models and looked forward to future events.
For the skaters, the experience of participating in the derby is about more than just competition. **Raging Eddy**, a member of the team for a year, shared her perspective: “It means everything. You get community, volunteering, working hard. It’s inspiring to see so many women who are all volunteering their time for something completely new and extremely hard.” Eddy emphasized that while some players had previous sports experience, others discovered their passion for team sports through roller derby.
**Torque N’ Beans**, another skater who recently joined the team, shared her journey from music to roller derby. She started in 2015 but faced obstacles due to school commitments. It wasn’t until spring 2023 that she could participate in the training camp. Now a captain for the **Root Force**, she enjoys coaching newcomers and witnessing their progression. “It’s super rewarding to see people I’ve worked with in training camp,” she said, highlighting the supportive environment within the team.
Both skaters and volunteers dedicate significant time to the sport, with many spending at least six hours a week on the track. They also participate in sponsorship drives and manage various organizational responsibilities. As **Torque N’ Beans** remarked, “Sometimes I have to remind myself that all these people volunteer their time so we can play a game. It’s amazing.”
The energy at the event was palpable, with the **Dirty Derby Blowhards** band providing lively music throughout the bouts. The commitment and enthusiasm of the players, volunteers, and fans created an atmosphere that resonated with the essence of community and sport.
As the Humboldt Roller Derby season wraps up, the anticipation for next year’s events is already building. The combination of competition, community spirit, and the involvement of local youth creates a unique environment that continues to inspire new generations of skaters and supporters alike.
