How did you get into the sport?

I first started playing when I was 12, three years ago. I went to a roller derby bout (game) with my grandparents and we heard about the Twin Cities Junior Roller Derby, and I just decided to sign up. I started with Twin Cities Junior Roller Derbys, and I began learning how to skate at Cheap Skate in Coon Rapids.

How do you play?

The basic idea is that there’s a pack of skaters: a person from each team with a star on their helmet (jammer) who can score, a pack of eight people (four people from each team), and jammers are behind them. The pack leaves first and the jammers try and go through the pack and around and get a point for each person from the opposite team they pass (usually four).

Blockers are usually sturdier. A pivoter is good at leading, and jammers are more agile. Games are separated into halves  — the team with the most points wins.

Each time the whistle blows and the pack goes it is called a jam, and they last around two minutes. They can be called off by the first jammer to leave the pack as a strategy move.

What is your favorite part about competing?

The friendly competitiveness. There are no bad feelings afterward. It’s just about the love of the game.

What do you think people don’t understand about roller derbies?

I don’t think most people understand that you can join without knowing how to skate. Our team has beginner levels. You don’t have to know anything about skating before you show up. There’s also a men’s league, which guys can participate in as well.

Are people surprised to learn you skate?

Some people still think that it’s the staged game from the 70s, they’re surprised it’s an actual professional sport. People look at my mom and are surprised when I say that I play it. It’s not the same as what it used to be. I’ve never been seriously injured in the three years I played.

Why do you think high schoolers should be involved in roller derby?

It’s a really fun sport for everyone. You can be any body size. Roller derby is a very fun and competitive game — but not in a mean way. It’s a fun sport to join, because it’s not a very well known sport.

What makes the sport special to you?

It was a sport I could excel at. I never wanted to do a generic sport, and roller derbying was a unique thing that I could do. It seemed like a fun and unique activity to participate in. I was surprised it was a real sport and involved a lot of work. I  was also able to get a lot of friends and work on team building.

What do you expect for the future of the sport?

One of my hopes is for roller derbying to make it into the Olympics. I would like to see it recognized as a true sport. Whoever makes it in will be very deserving.