D
espite pre-bout rituals for each member like the Pasta Party for GDD, it’s the after party that the teams look forward to celebrating together. No matter winners or losers, all players and participants enjoy the chance to unwind and spend time with fellow players.
Palmetto State Rollerderby
“Derbyoke. It’s like karaoke, but better because it’s all the derby girls (both teams, and players from other teams who come to watch).By the end of the night, everybody is singing together (winners, losers, referees) and it can be slightly silly,” says Scream Weaver.
The teams also give back to the community through supporting various non-profits or women’s shelters such as SCCADVASA, the South Carolina network of women’s rape crisis centers and domestic violence shelters.
South Coast Roller Derby Team
“We’ll either do a reciprocal type thing with shared information or give a part of the proceeds to them. So, it’s just a kind of by-product that we get to enjoy each other’s company and have fun,” says Columbia Quad Squad member Dani Dynamite.
This welcoming atmosphere is what separates roller derby from all other sports. It’s a free space for women of any age to work hard, find a family, and let loose.
“As long as they are determined and willing to work hard, then it’s for you. But its really a sport for anyone. Any characteristic, personality, body type. But we all come together on the track,” says GDD member Lorena Block-It (Lorena Collins).
For more information about practice times, bout-fits or general derby-
Greenville Derby Dames
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