North Carolina Roller Derby Team competes for victory

Carolina Roller Derby Team Celebrates 20 Years of Growth and Success

APEX, N.C. — The Carolina Roller Derby team, a founding member of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), is gearing up to celebrate its 20th anniversary this Saturday. What started as a group of North Carolina women coming together in 2004 has now grown into a thriving league that continues to attract new members and fans.

The team will be marking this milestone by hosting a doubleheader against River City Virginia at Dorton Arena in Raleigh, where the WFTDA used to compete back in the day. Tickets for the event can be purchased online, and a full calendar of upcoming events can be found on the team’s website.

Roller derby, a sport that dates back to the 1940s and 1970s, has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Carolina Roller Derby Head Coach Karen Hutcheson, a former player herself, attests to the dedication and passion of the athletes who endure intense training sessions in less-than-ideal conditions.

The team prides itself on being inclusive and welcoming to skaters of all levels, including mothers like Deidre Newport, who found a new sense of athleticism and community through roller derby. Newport, also known as Fanny-Pack-A-Punch, emphasizes the importance of the sport in teaching valuable life lessons to her children.

Despite the challenges of practicing in a warehouse without air conditioning, the Carolina Roller Derby team remains resilient and committed to promoting the sport through competition and outreach efforts. The league is run by volunteers, and those interested in getting involved can find more information on their website.

Whether you’re a seasoned skater or a complete beginner, Carolina Roller Derby offers opportunities for everyone to join in the fun and excitement of this fast-paced and empowering sport. Don’t miss out on the chance to be a part of this growing community and celebrate 20 years of roller derby success.