Building sisterhood through skating: Electric City Roller GrlllZ creating a lifelong bond

The Electric City Roller GrrrlZ started competing nine years ago, and thanks to sponsorship, community outreach and growing participation, the team has blossomed quite well. The organization draws interest from many different women “So I started as an inline skater for many years,” said current roller derby referee Courtney Klemencic. “We came to the very first game in December of 2011, and I have been here ever since,” added Valerie McClellen, a veteran skater on the team. Others just joined, but have found a forever home in the sport. “There was an orientation that I heard about, and I was like why not, I’ll just try it out,” said second-year skater Kaitlyn McRay. “Once I put on a pair of skates, I was hooked.” No matter how they got here, all the players had to learn how to play the game, as did I. So, I asked one of the referees to break it down for me. “Each team has four blockers, two jammers. The two jammers are the point scorers - you’re gonna see them with a star on their helmet. They can only score points once they’ve successfully made it through the pack, which is what we call the group of blockers. And then each hip that they pass is a scoring point.” Sounds pretty simple, right? Not so much. “It can get a little chaotic, but that’s why we have a top-notch ref group,” said Klemencic. “We try to keep the peace and want to make sure we keep it safe for everybody.” But, the Roller GrrrlZ look forward to more than just the bouts. “It’s just that camaraderie of being able to come together, even though you may not always be from the same team,” said McClellen. “As a group of skaters, we’re all one big family.” “There’s nothing better than seeing another gal accomplish the same thing you’ve been sweating together working on it,” added McRay. “It’s just group victory, that’s what it really feels like. It’s a sisterhood, and I’m really glad that I found it.” For those of you who are on the fence about trying out roller derby - the Roller GrrrlZ have a little bit of advice. “Try it. You will be amazed at what your body can do,” Klemencic said. “If you want a different challenge, or you just want to widen your horizons and meet different people from all walks of life, then roller derby is for you,” said McClellen “We like to give back to the community, and that just feels so great, so just jump right in and strap on a pair of skates,” added McRay. For more information, visit the Electric City Roller GrrrlZ Facebook page.