Chelsea Wall and Dan Bennett
Special to In Motion
Roller Derby has been around since the 1930s and while most people imagine a brutal sport, there are many rules in place that deter foul play.
Despite what people may think, it’s a fun filled game that inspires camaraderie and personal growth. For an inside look into the world of Roller Derby look no further than the Deland Roller Derby team, the Thunder City Derby Sirens.
These ladies have been rolling their way to the top as the newly formed team has rapidly grown over the past eight years. The team is catching the attention of this sleepy town and causing quite the commotion during its regular games at the The Rink, on the outskirts of DeLand, along Spring Garden Avenue.
As noted on its website, the Thunder City Derby Sirens or TCDS is a DeLand-based nonprofit that is a skater-run and operated roller derby league, “Striving to be a safe, encouraging, and positive space for anyone that wishes to join us. Our team focuses on bettering ourselves and each other, both on skates and off while working with other local nonprofit organizations in our community, relating to women’s health, children, animals and the environment.
“Most of all, we focus on empowering each other through fitness, motivation and sisterhood. We welcome everybody, regardless of age, background, or situation to become a part of our derby family!,” says the website.
Accordingly, new recruits have lined up to go through the ringer to participate in this exciting team sport for all ages. The Sirens boasts many long time derby players, but are always ready for some fresh meat, as they extend their invitation to young college students looking for a way to blow off some steam in a fun way.
The benefits of roller derby may not be obvious at first glance, but players says its equal parts athleticism and camaraderie.
“It’s a very athletic sport and you get to exercise a lot. It’s full contact, so you get out a lot of aggression,” says Sullivan Hessler, better known as “Bash-full Warrior.”
“And you meet a ton of friends. I had no girlfriends before I joined, now I think I have 50! Every single woman on this team is the most amazing person ever. I love everybody on the team. It’s nice.”
Those who might be thinking about giving it a try, get a few pointers from another team pro.
Sirens co-captain Crystal Snyder, who goes by the nickname “Artillery,” says, “Be willing to step outside of that box. It’s something different, it’s something new and it’s very challenging. This gives students an opportunity to get off campus, meet some amazing people, be athletic, stay healthy and ;learn how to co-exist with other women. Some women have a tough time with that.”
Team members emphasize that no one is ever too old or out of shape for derby. The next recruitments start in January and practice nights will be Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Although the season has now ended, more information can be had at https://derbysirens.com/
Also, see this month’s In Motion centerspread on pages 6-7 and check out our video at