Cedar Valley roller derby league open for new members

Harley, Three-Headed Monster and Slim Skatey are three members of the Cedar Valley Roller Derby league, and, off the track, they are also known as Marajadyn Rodgers, Lennon Michel and Dylan Kieffer at Cedar Falls High School.

Roller derby is a full-contact, mixed-gender sport played on roller skates. An hour-long game known as a ‘bout’ is played between two teams on an oval-shaped track, split into smaller two-minute segments called “jams.” The lead jammer of each team, designated by the star decal on their helmet, must get past the other teams’ blockers to begin scoring points. After they’ve pushed and shoved their way through the pack, each lap around the track is an additional point scored, until two minutes have passed or the lead jammer decides to end the jam early. 

It’s a little confusing on paper, but everything comes together when you see it in person. 

“It’s really fun to watch because there’s so much going on,” Kieffer said. “It might seem intimidating, but once you actually play it and learn, it’s not as scary.”

Derby can be a difficult, aggressive sport, but for some skaters, that’s the appeal.

“I think it’s just a way for us to get our anger out,” Rodgers said. “I love it.” 

Despite its competitive nature, a diverse and supportive community is the foundation for roller derby’s success in the Cedar Valley. Open to people of all genders, though still decidedly woman-centric, the Junior League for skaters 8-17 welcomes all comers. 

“It’s very much a female-based community,” Rodgers said. 

Michel agreed. “I’ve always liked that there isn’t a special league for guys. That’s not how it is.” 

The sentiment of derby as a “community” was often repeated, with the skaters calling it “close-knit,” “niche” and “the coolest thing I’ve ever seen.”

“Yes, it’s a competitive sport, but when we’re done we go get dinner with the other team. Since derby is so small, you have to lift each other up,” Michel said. 

This supportive environment is likely why many of the league’s members are LGBT+; Michel even mentioned that watching one of her teammates transition was one of her favorite memories of derby.

“We’re such a welcoming place. There’s no judgment,” she said of the team’s diversity.

The Cedar Valley Junior Roller Derby league will begin competing sometime this spring, but practices will begin in the coming weeks – see their Facebook page for more information.