Browsing Tag

Houston Roller Derby

Talk Derby to Me: Meet Houston Roller Derby ‘Super Friend’ Jason Davila

Posted on August 22, 2018
A fan of Houston Roller Derby fan Jason Davila.

Ask Jason Davila if he’s a Houston Roller Derby (HRD) super fan, and he’ll respond “no.” “I don’t consider myself a super fan because all I think of when you say ‘fan’ is someone who just goes to games and cheers on their favorite team,” he says. “I would say I am more of a super friend of Houston Roller Derby. I think that is what differentiates me from everyone else. Not only do I attend every game ([with the…

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Talk Derby to Me: Meet Former Psych Ward Sirens Jammer MadCapnCap

Posted on July 20, 2018
A photo of Houston roller derby girl MadCapnCap.

After taking a two-year hiatus from roller derby to pursue her career as a firefighter, Sarah Harford, aka Mad Cap’n Cap, is ready to return to the rink. “I love the teamwork and comradery of the sport,” says the former Houston Roller Derby Psych Ward Sirens jammer. “I had to retire from skating for a short period time, but I never lost my passion for and love of derby. Even though I couldn’t skate for the team, I still was…

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Talk Derby to Me: Meet Valkyries Blocker 2xForce

Posted on June 15, 2018
A photo of Houston Roller Derby Valkyries blocker 2xForce.

When Houston Roller Derby Valkyries blocker Jessica Julien, aka 2xForce, rolls onto the skate track, everything melts away and the competition of the game begins. “For me, roller derby is an addiction,” she says. “I love competition, which is why I have been with the team for nine seasons and have been captain of our travel team for the past three years."…

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Talk Derby To Me: Meet Retired Skater Pseudonym

Posted on May 18, 2018
A photo of retired Bayou City Boss skater Pseudonym.

When you think of roller derby, safe is probably the furthest word from your mind. Between the jams, blocks, and hip checks, the physical athleticism required definitely deems it a rough-and-tumble sport. Surprisingly enough, however, Houston Roller Derby (HRD) has not only created a safe space for its members, but a welcoming community for skaters, volunteers, and fans alike. I had the pleasure of catching up with retired Bayou City Bosses skater and blocker Suzie Sheldon, aka Pseudonym, to discuss…

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Talk Derby to Me: Meet Psych Ward Sirens Skater Paula Cream-Her

Posted on April 20, 2018
A photo of roller derby girl Paula Cream-Her

For Amanda Carmona, aka Paula Cream-Her #4, finding roller derby was like finding the missing piece to the puzzle of life. Initially drawn in by the sport’s strong female leadership, Cream-Her stayed for its inclusive atmosphere, celebration of uniqueness, and team spirit. Spectrum South had the pleasure of chatting with Cream-Her about her journey of discovering her identity and roller derby, her love for Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and her rookie season with the Houston Roller Derby’s Psych Ward Sirens.…

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Talk Derby To Me: Meet Houston Roller Derby Production Manager Sweetie Todd

Posted on March 28, 2018
A photo of Houston Roller Derby's Sweetie Todd

“I wish I would’ve found it when I was a little younger,” laughs Belinda Pedraza, AKA Sweetie Todd. At age 55, she’s one of the oldest members of Houston Roller Derby (HRD), but arguably one of the most versatile. Sweetie joined the league over a decade ago and has been happily ingrained in the female-dominated sport ever since, volunteering her time first as a medic, then skater, official, coach, and now production manager.…

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Talk Derby to Me: Meet Brawler Jammer Arrak-Kiss

Posted on January 30, 2018
A photo of HRD Brawler Arrak-Kiss.

“It’s the last jam of the 2017 championship...two minutes left, your HRD Brawlers and undefeated Psych Ward Sirens are neck and neck...get on your feet, Houston!” veteran Houston Roller Derby announcer Scarlet O’Hurtya yells out with anxious enthusiasm. Wild cheers from fans vibrate Revention Music Center. My ears are ringing, my legs are throbbing from jumping up and down, and my homemade poster is ripped at each side from my clenched fists. Brawler jammer Arrak-Kiss and Siren jammer Black Lung…

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Talk Derby to Me: Out Houston Roller Derby Skater Chats Life On and Off the Track

Posted on August 7, 2017
Houston Roller Derby teams the Brawlers take on the Psych Ward Sirens at Revention Music Center.

“I was recovering from foot surgery in 2010 and saw Whip It—the movie that I swear changes everybody’s life,” recalls Punch. “I Googled Houston Roller Derby and ended up going to watch my first bout...it was fantastic.” A week later, she bought a pair of skates and has been all in ever since—becoming one of the most-skilled blockers in the league and for her home team, the 2017 championship-bound Brawlers.…

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