In honor of Mother’s Day, we have compiled a list of all the moms on the team. It is important for all mothers to have a part of their life that is 100% ‘for them’ and these mothers take the cake. They are able to balance home life with the rigors of derby training, both physically and mentally. How would you feel if your mother played roller derby when you were a kid? If you are a parent, how do you go about finding the time for yourself? Read on to learn more about our awesome ROCK moms!
DELIRIUM DANCER #94
ROCK Skater Since 2013
Mom to 1 daughter, 4 years old, Hazel Fay
What do your kids think about your derby career?
“Hazel loves watching derby and has recently learned the ROCK cheer. She enjoys cheering on the team.”
DYNAMITE #017
ROCK Skater Since 2014
Mom to two kids, both of whom skate with Central Kentucky Junior Roller Derby – Rolldemort #13, 12 years old and Runaway Ruby #229, 8 years old
What do your kids think about your derby career?
“My kids are my biggest champions. There’s something really special about sharing this sport with my girls. The first time they watched me scrimmage I could hear both of them cheering me on and it was a total role reversal — my oldest was watching me, taking notes, thinking of things she could tell me to do better/differently next time. My kids are proud of me for trying something new.”
How does roller derby influence your life as a mother?
“I think derby makes me a better mother in that I’ve become more willing to take risks and to push myself outside of my comfort zone — and it gives us common ground.”
MAGGIE MARVEL #1037
ROCK Skater Since 2014
Mom to Eliza, 2
What do your kids think about your derby career?
“When asked what she thought about mommy playing derby, Eliza replied with “it’s good.” I hear her little voice cheering for me at scrimmages so that’s always cool. I really think her favorite part is playing with her “kids.” (The other derby kids who are at scrimmages too.)”
How does roller derby influence your life as a mother?
“As a mother I think derby has allowed me to take time for myself and to boost my confidence, making me a better role model for Eliza. I think watching me and my awesome teammates skate lets E know that’s it’s ok to be tough, play sports, be different and still paint your nails and wear pink, if you want. I’m truly thankful for that.”
MAJOR LOVELEE #50
ROCK Skater Since 2013
Mom to two boys: Joey is 19 and a Freshman and U of A and Nathan is 17 and a senior at Lafayette HS
What do your kids think about your derby career?
Joey: “My Derby Mom can beat up your soccer Mom” Nathan: “My Mom kicks ASS!” (I swear I had no idea they would say these things!)
How does roller derby influence your life as a mother?
“For me, honestly, the only influence I want to have on my boys is that they see their Mom, who has taken care of elderly ladies for the last 12 years, see me as more than just the person who cleans and cooks around the house and takes care of an elderly lady in the day when they are at school. I want them to see that I have interests outside of just them. They didn’t see me as I worked lots of long hours when Mark was in school….Joey was almost 6 when we moved here and I retired from Corporate America. Now, my kids are a lot older now so they just think it’s pretty cool that I’m doing this for myself.”
PINKIE BREWSER #34
ROCK Skater Since 2013
Mom to the Amazing Isabella, 5 years old
What do your kids think about your derby career?
“She doesn’t really say much other than sticking her finger in my face and taunt me by saying Pinkie over and over. I’m not sure she gets the two name thing. However, I’m pretty sure she’s excited to play since we regularly have to remind her not to hip check friends, only Mommy.”
How does roller derby influence your life as a mother?
“I have my self confidence and self esteem back. I hope she grows up knowing healthy is attractive. I’m teaching her that if you put your mind to it and work hard you can achieve it! That you should never be too afraid to try! I’m also so much healthier. I eat clean, she eats clean. I exercise, she exercises. I hope she grows up knowing that exercise is just what you do rather than it being a tedious task. Plus, I have the patience of Job…. because I know I’m getting out of the house three times a week to take care of myself!”
PIX-ELATED #8BIT
ROCK Skater Since 2013
Mom to 2 children: Brie 14 who still plays Jr Derby, and Constance 10 who is currently taking a break from playing Jr Derby.
What do your kids think about your derby career?
Brie says “it’s cool to watch my mom skate and I like that she is involved and understands how to help me”
Constance says “I like all of the people we met through Roller Derby, it’s fun.”
How does roller derby influence your life as a mother?
“Roller Derby is the first thing I have done for myself since having children. It gives me something to focus on that’s all mine. When I’m on my skates I’m an athlete looking to improve. I don’t have to worry for those moments about all of the stresses that come with everyday life.”
RAINBOW SMITE #78
ROCK Skater Since 2007
Mom to Sophia, 10 years old
What do your kids think about your derby career?
“It’s cool!” (She’s a woman of few words)
How does roller derby influence your life as a mother?
“I feel so fortunate that Sophia has gotten to witness the power of derby in her earliest years through today – I started bringing her to practice with me when she was three years old. She has truly been raised by a tribe of women, and I hope that some life lessons that are hard to intentionally teach will have reached her through this experience: commitment, leadership, service, compassion, work ethic. Roller derby has allowed me to be myself with confidence pretty much all the time, and I can’t think of a more valuable concept to instill in young women that.”
TOO TOO MUCH #22
ROCK Skater Since 2012
Mom to three little ones: Allora (10), Cameron (9), and Billy (8).
What do your kids think about your derby career?
Billy- “I told a kid at school- my mom can beat up your mom.”
How does roller derby influence your life as a mother?
“I think roller derby makes me a better mom. Derby gives me confidence, which my kids (especially the girls) pick up on. I want to raise strong, self confident little ones and roller derby gives me an opportunity to role model that behavior. Endurance training helps give me the energy I need to keep up with three kids running in different directions.”
TRASHY TRACY #69
ROCK Skater Since 2013
Mom to two daughters: Erin who’s 10 years old and Jamie who’s 8 years old.
What do your kids think about your derby career?
“My girls love that I do Derby! Before I tried out for ROCK, we were watching some 1970’s derby on YouTube. The skaters were hitting and kicking each other. My youngest Jamie, said ‘Please Mom, I don’t want you to do that.'”
How does roller derby influence your life as a mother?
“All women, especially mothers need something just for themselves… we constantly give to our families, and put ourselves last. When I started Derby, I didn’t do it to prove anything, I just love to skate. It keeps me healthy, reduces my stress level and most important shows my daughters how strong women are and that a women can have so many different roles in life. Being confident in who you are and embracing that role.”
Shout out to Rainbow Smite for collecting all the information in this post: You ROCK, Rainbow!