How did you get into roller derby? Back when I lived in Champaign, Illinois, I came across a flyer for a league just getting started. I was still new to the area and thought it would be a great way to meet new people. I showed up at the next practice and was hooked.

What kind of skating skills or athletic abilities did you have before starting derby? I played soccer and swam competitively throughout my childhood.

How did you derive your derby name? I don’t use one anymore! I skated under the name ... Read More »]]>

SVRG KillaBytes v. Sac City Folsom Prison Bruisers 2013

Our May 2013 Skater of the Month was nominated for her work off the track and even-tempered demeanor. Leigh started playing derby in 2010 and transferred to SVRG in July 2012. A member of the KillaBytes, she’s a blocker who loves to steal the jammer panty when an opportunity presents itself. Congratulations, Leigh!

How did you get into roller derby?
Back when I lived in Champaign, Illinois, I came across a flyer for a league just getting started. I was still new to the area and thought it would be a great way to meet new people. I showed up at the next practice and was hooked.

What kind of skating skills or athletic abilities did you have before starting derby?
I played soccer and swam competitively throughout my childhood.

How did you derive your derby name?
I don’t use one anymore! I skated under the name Morley Bankrupt for my first two seasons, but never really connected with it. I gave it up and feel more comfortable using my given name.

Have you been seriously injured?
About one month into my derby career, I fractured my sternum. It didn’t get diagnosed for awhile, so I kept skating despite the fact I was in a ton of pain. I broke my right ankle in 2011, and broke my left ankle in 2012. Needless to say, I am the Queen of Physical Therapy.

What has been your greatest experience on the rink?
Returning this year from my second ankle break, I’ve had a bit of a breakthrough with my skating. When I transferred to SVRG I thought I’d be lucky to roster, let alone earn any playing time, on the KillaBytes by the end of 2013. But I have responded to the excellent coaching and teamwork, and feel like I’m playing at a higher level. It’s a really good feeling.

Who is your biggest fan?
My husband! Any partner who is supportive after two separate ankle breaks is amazing. He is patient with me despite the injuries, the amount of league work, and all the nights I am away.

Biggest Fan

What are you looking forward to the most this season?
I was recently elected to captain the Hard Drivers, and we are going to the Attack of the C Squads tournament in June. Watch out!

What do you contribute to SVRG off the track?
I currently serve as league Secretary on the Board of Directors.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give skaters interested in playing roller derby?
Be good to your body. Don’t underestimate the power of cross-training. If you get injured, complete your physical therapy exactly as prescribed.

What kinds of skates and gear do you use?
I’m grateful to Strawberry Jam (formerly of the Naptown Roller Girls) at Vital Skates for getting me into a narrower boot with Avenger plates. My feet no longer slide around inside my boots, and I really like the action I get out of the plates.

Anything else we should know about you?
The lovely Take-Out Dinah gave me the best positive feedback before our first bout of 2013: “If derby was a pageant, Leigh would win Miss Congeniality. So nice yet hits so hard.” I love you too, Dinah!

Nominated for dominating on the track, Surge is our April 2013 Skater of the Month. She started playing derby in Fall 2011, and she’s been tearing up the track ever since. A member of the Dot.Kamikazes, you’ll be able to watch her dynamic jamming this month at the Dust Devil tournament. Congratulations, Surge!

How did you find out about roller derby? One of my older sisters told me about boot camp, and nudged me to give it a go.

What kind of skating skills or athletic abilities did you have before starting derby? I’ve been sporty my whole life.  My big sports were softball for 12 years and wrestling for 6 years. What is your greatest strength as a skater/what do you contribute most to the team? I like to think that I can play jammer or blocker, and that my team and I are ... Read More »]]>

Nominated for dominating on the track, Surge is our April 2013 Skater of the Month. She started playing derby in Fall 2011, and she’s been tearing up the track ever since. A member of the Dot.Kamikazes, you’ll be able to watch her dynamic jamming this month at the Dust Devil tournament. Congratulations, Surge!

How did you find out about roller derby?
One of my older sisters told me about boot camp, and nudged me to give it a go.

What kind of skating skills or athletic abilities did you have before starting derby?
I’ve been sporty my whole life.  My big sports were softball for 12 years and wrestling for 6 years.

Surge jamming against V Town

How did you derive your derby name?
Family and close friends would call me Sarah G., which, when said fast sounds like Surgey.  One of my older sisters suggested, “Hey, how about just Surge?!” It’s quite fitting.

What is your primary position?
Jammer

What is your greatest strength as a skater/what do you contribute most to the team?
I like to think that I can play jammer or blocker, and that my team and I are confident in my abilities for both.

What has been your greatest experience on the rink?
My first win with SVRG’s Killabytes in my first season against Sac City was AWESOME. I’ve had a few really strong jams with big points, and some really great blocking moments in a few bouts. I try to remember them so that I know what I have achieved, and that I can continue to do well.

What are you looking forward to the most this season?
This is my first traveling season with the Dot.Kamiakazes, and I am excited to see us work together and improve our game.

What do you contribute to SVRG off the track?
I am on the Sponsorship committee, and often volunteer for Fundraising. Wherever I go, I am excited to talk to people about derby.

What do you do in the non-derby part of your life?
Right now my life consists of working (child care and swim instructor) and derby.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give people interested in playing roller derby?
Be prepared to make a commitment to yourself and to your team. Don’t quit when the going gets tough because you can’t always call of one of life’s jams.

How did you find out about/get into roller derby? My husband and I were in San Francisco to see ShEvil Dead play the Richmond Wrecking Belles at Fort Mason in 2008. It was my first real derby bout. I was in complete awe. The energy was amazing. That’s where I saw Brawlin’ Angel for the first time. How can you not want to play derby after seeing her in ... Read More »]]>

Photo: Jim Cottingham

How did you find out about/get into roller derby?
My husband and I were in San Francisco to see ShEvil Dead play the Richmond Wrecking Belles at Fort Mason in 2008. It was my first real derby bout. I was in complete awe. The energy was amazing. That’s where I saw Brawlin’ Angel for the first time. How can you not want to play derby after seeing her in action? The following week I found SVRG, bought skates and became involved with the most amazing group of girls ever.

What kind of skating skills or athletic abilities did you have before starting derby?
I wasn’t very athletic after age 10, but my family did move quite a bit so I could lift heavy things.

How did you derive your derby name and number?
The name came from Robot Chicken. Bitch Puddin’ is one of the characters. When she came out saying “Blam! Y’all get a taste of the Bitch Puddin,” I had to go with it. My number Triple 5, or 555 as it was originally written, came from a drinking dice game where getting triple 5s means pain for everyone but yourself.

Who is your biggest fan?
All of my friends and family have been super supportive whether or not they have seen me skate. I would say that my husband is my biggest fan.

I do want to give a huge shout out to the patrons and owners of Fred’s Place and Teske’s Germania for all their support. Love you guys and gals!

What do you contribute to SVRG *off* the track?
I was Head of Merchandise during my first year and a half, spent a lot of time working at our fundraisers, and currently work the beer garden. I gave the Circuit Jerks their name (I’m really proud of that one).

Why are you still involved now that you are retired?
I love the girls but I’m not a social person by nature. Staying involved keeps me in touch with everyone.

What other hobbies and interests do you have?
Work has taken over most of my time but I do get to spend more time crafting with my Mom.

What’s the one piece of advice you would give skaters interested in playing roller derby?  
You get out what you put in to it, so always put in no less than 100%.

Anything else we should know about you?
I love traveling, shopping, crocheting, red wine,  and have an unhealthy addiction to post-it notes and yarn. And my alter ego is Flantastico!

Photo: Jim Cottingham

SVRG traveled to Eugene, Oregon in February 2012 to participate in The Big O, a tournament hosted by the Emerald City Roller Girls and the Lane County Concussion Men’s Flat Track Roller Derby. In addition to posting three wins, members of SVRG consented to participate in a study about microbiology.

Researcher Jessica Green, Director of the Biology and Built Environment and Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Oregon, who skated as Thumper Biscuit for Emerald City, combined her love of derby with her love of science. The researchers swabbed members of Silicon Valley, Emerald City, and the DC Rollergirls before and after bouts during the three-day weekend. The researchers found that prior to a bout, a skater’s team could be identified by the composition of bacteria on her skin. After a bout, bacteria had been shared between opposing skaters ... Read More »]]>

SVRG traveled to Eugene, Oregon in February 2012 to participate in The Big O, a tournament hosted by the Emerald City Roller Girls and the Lane County Concussion Men’s Flat Track Roller Derby. In addition to posting three wins, members of SVRG consented to participate in a study about microbiology.

Researcher Jessica Green, Director of the Biology and Built Environment and Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Oregon, who skated as Thumper Biscuit for Emerald City, combined her love of derby with her love of science. The researchers swabbed members of Silicon Valley, Emerald City, and the DC Rollergirls before and after bouts during the three-day weekend. The researchers found that prior to a bout, a skater’s team could be identified by the composition of bacteria on her skin. After a bout, bacteria had been shared between opposing skaters such that it seemed to demonstrate person-to-person transmission.

The article, “Significant changes in the skin microbiome mediated by the sport of roller derby” (Meadow et al, 2013), is available from PeerJ here. Kate Clancy, The Anthrobrawlogist of the Twin City Derby Girls and Assistant Professor of Anthropology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, breaks down the science from a roller derby perspective over at Context and Variation.

SVRG returns to The Big O this May where the Dot.Kamikazes will face the Terminal City Rollergirls, the Treasure Valley Roller Girls, and the Slaughter County Roller Vixens.

Watch the short teaser video about the study. Can you spot some of your favorite Silicon Valley Roller Girls?

Dr. Mike loves how chiropractic care frees his patients by restoring normal function back into their lives. In addition to members of SVRG, Mike has worked on ballet performers, world class Ironman competitors, and is in the process of obtaining a CCSP (certified chiropractic sports practitioner) ... Read More »]]>
Roller derby is a full-contact sport where skaters engage in many hours of training on and off the track for high levels of endurance and strength. Dr. Mike of Rogerson Chiropractic helps league members with a range of aches and injuries, allowing skaters to continue to perform at a high level. A sponsor for two seasons, Dr. Mike attends our home bouts and brings his table with him so that he can provide track-side care. He is easily located by following the line of skaters waiting patiently to be adjusted before or after a bout.

Dr. Mike loves how chiropractic care frees his patients by restoring normal function back into their lives. In addition to members of SVRG, Mike has worked on ballet performers, world class Ironman competitors, and is in the process of obtaining a CCSP (certified chiropractic sports practitioner) credential. He also volunteers with Manos Con Alas Medical Missions to Baja Mexico, and Blazen Racing as race chiropractor.

Rogerson Chiropractic specialties include:

• Back pain
• Disc alignment
• Joint pain
• Achilles tendonitis
• Spinal degeneration
• Sciatica
• Headaches
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Whiplash
• Sports injuries
• Neck pain
• Stiff neck
• Car accident injuries
• Arthritis
• Frozen shoulder
• Hip pain
• Pulled hamstrings
• Radiating arm and leg pain
• Rotator cuff tendonitis and tears
• Tennis elbow

Dr. Mike is a graduate of Palmer Chiropractic College West, and is a member of the California Chiropractic Association, the American Chiropractic Association, and the Christian Chiropractic Association. In addition, he earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Exercise Physiology from California State University, Chico. A San Jose native, he currently resides in the area with his wife Jen, newborn daughter Molly, and goofy dog Luke. When he is not in the office he can be found jogging with Luke, fishing off the Santa Cruz wharf, or watching the 49ers, Sharks or Giants.

Interested in finding quality chiropractic care? Visit Dr. Mike on Yelp to read reviews, find a coupon, or even claim the check-in special – his signature high five. Give him a call to set up an initial appointment.

Rogerson Chiropractic Family and Sports Clinic
20 Harold Avenue #5, Santa Clara, CA 95050 | (408) 529-6953
Facebook

How did you find out about roller derby? A few years ago, someone posted bout pictures on Facebook, and it looked awesome. It wasn’t until three years later that I finally had enough free time and money to be able to begin derby. That’s when I found SVRG.

What kind of skating skills or athletic abilities did you have before starting derby? I did a lot of inline skating and skateboarding growing up, and have been hiking and backpacking over the past few years. I can’t sit still, so I ... Read More »]]>

Luna Chick

Nominated for her work as the Head of Bout Production, the February 2013 Skater of the Month is Luna Chick. One of the newest members of SVRG, she joined the league in October after completing SVRG Bootcamp. A recent Noogler (“New Googler”), Luna is a hard worker on and off the track. Congratulations, Luna!

How did you find out about roller derby?
A few years ago, someone posted bout pictures on Facebook, and it looked awesome. It wasn’t until three years later that I finally had enough free time and money to be able to begin derby. That’s when I found SVRG.

What kind of skating skills or athletic abilities did you have before starting derby?
I did a lot of inline skating and skateboarding growing up, and have been hiking and backpacking over the past few years. I can’t sit still, so I spend time running or lifting weights at the gym. Derby is a great way to focus all my nervous cardio energy.

How did you derive your derby name?
My husband suggested it. I think he heard it somewhere as a name for a collective group (possibly Team Luna Chixs) and thought it would a good fit for me. I also felt like it described my general style as a new skater – lots of unfocused energy.

What is your primary position?
I have yet to compete in by first bout, so my primary position is watching on the side for now! I want to become an awesome jammer.

What is your greatest strength as a skater/what do you contribute most to the team?
I think my best strength is my dedication to get better and to learn the sport. I am still developing other strengths, but so far my unwillingness to give up and go home has gotten me the furthest.

What has been your greatest experience on the rink?
Any time I’m jamming during our practice scrimmages and I manage to bust through a wall of Dots is a good day.

What is your worst injury, and how did you earn it?
Belle Wringer plowed into me like a speeding Buick once during practice, and I ended up with a couple of bruised ribs. Luckily for me, it was right before our winter hiatus, so I had a chance to heal without taking time away from skating. That girl can hit!

Who are your biggest fans?
My husband and my mom. They’ve supported me all the way.

Who do you like to partner up with on the track?
I love skating with newer members of the league who are in the same mental place as myself. I’ve been derby-ing for less than a year, and learning strategy for the first time has been more challenging than the physical part for me. I love to be able to learn with other skaters who are figuring it all out for the first time too.

What are you looking forward to the most this season?
Skating in my first bout.

What kinds of skates and gear do you use?
I wear Antiks since all of the other types of skates I tried on were too low in the ankle. They are a bit heavy, but other than that, they are super comfortable. I also rock a hockey helmet (for safety) and the biggest, softest knee pads I can find, since I love my knees.

What do you contribute to SVRG off the track?
I am the Head of Bout Production, which means that I manage and organize all the pieces involved in putting on a great home bout.

How do you spend the non-derby part of your life?
Non-derby part of life? What’s that?

What’s the one piece of advice you would give women interested in playing roller derby?
Get out there and do it! Don’t give up – it’s such a hard sport and there will be a million times when you will feel embarrassed, naive, or silly just for trying to learn. Once I committed to the sport, it really helped me to watch skaters with similar body size to myself to see how they move and coordinate themselves on the track. Mentally, it really helps to connect with other newbies like yourself, and to reach out to the more veterans skaters for advice. The great thing about derby is that you are never alone. There is always someone who can relate and give advice no matter what the situation.

Brigid Fitch began her derby career at an SVRG Bootcamp. Her number 0K is the temperature absolute zero in Kelvin. Along with league alumni CynTax and Bitch Puddin’, Fitch founded the Circuit Jerks. After a year of skating with Peninsula Roller Girls, she returned to us in January.

Originally from Canada, Canuk-U-Up’s background in pairs dance skating serves her well on the track. She is a transfer from the Mountain Maulers Recreational League. One of her main reasons for skating? To productively manage her road rage. Her number, 29, references “the age all older women want to ... Read More »]]>

Left to Right: Take-Out Dinah, Jentropy, Jessika Rakkit, Dharma, Luna Chick, Brigid Fitch
Front: Demanda Rumble
Not Pictured: Canuk-U-Up, Skullina, Fightmaster Flash

Get ready to welcome the newest members of SVRG! These ten new faces represent Circuit Jerks graduates and transfers from other leagues who joined us over the off-season. Many of these women will be skating on Saturday, so get ready to cheer them to victory.

Brigid Fitch began her derby career at an SVRG Bootcamp. Her number 0K is the temperature absolute zero in Kelvin. Along with league alumni CynTax and Bitch Puddin’, Fitch founded the Circuit Jerks. After a year of skating with Peninsula Roller Girls, she returned to us in January.

Originally from Canada, Canuk-U-Up’s background in pairs dance skating serves her well on the track. She is a transfer from the Mountain Maulers Recreational League. One of her main reasons for skating? To productively manage her road rage. Her number, 29, references “the age all older women want to revisit!”

Demanda Rumble, number 10 on the Richter Scale, has been around the derby world with leagues since 2007 in Athens and Atlanta, Georgia, and in Gilroy. Rumble loves to play derby because she can hit people. Keep your children at arm’s length — the blond ones scare her a bit.

Another SVRG Bootcamp graduate, Dharma joined us in October. She was inspired to begin playing roller derby by her daughter Jersey Vicious, who is a member of the SVRG Junior Derby league. A word of warning? Don’t mess with this family. In addition to SVRG, Dharma is a member of the San Jose Dharma Punx.

Fightmaster Flash loves old school rap and being competitive. Her athletic background includes softball and basketball. She started skating in May 2011 with the Peninsula Roller Girls, and transferred to SVRG in October 2012. When not on the track, Fightmaster is an attorney who represents foster children in Santa Clara County.

Jentropy loves moshpits and skating, so roller derby is a natural fit. Her name refers to the scientific property of entropy, the force that will ultimately wear down and destroy everything. An October 2012 transfer from Peninsula, she claims to be resistant to poison ivy.

Another Canadian, Jessika Rakkit is a transfer from the Windsor Border City Brawlers. She’s so loud (“I never stop talking”) that her number is 190 dB. A number of sports have come and gone: gymnastics, figure skating, hockey, baseball and squash. She started playing derby in October 2010, and we hope it sticks.

Luna Chick is a graduate of the SVRG Bootcamp and Circuit Jerks. She began rolling around on rollerblades and skateboards in high school as a rebellious teenager. This season, she bravely took on the role of Bout Production Coordinator. Ask her to belch entire sentences on command at the after party.

Once upon a time, Skullina played field hockey. Opponents should watch out, because she is constantly hungry and may choose to make a snack out of an arm. Coming from an athletic background of high school field hockey, she joined us by way of SVRG Bootcamp. Skullina will neither confirm nor deny that her number, 78, corresponds with her year of birth.

Take-Out Dinah started derby at an SVRG bootcamp. According to Dinah, her name is a play on the fact that she ate out almost every meal until she met her husband. A veteran triathlete, she comes to us from Peninsula Roller Girls. Her sister is Brillo Pad of the Arizona Rollergirls.

SVRG’s 2013 season opener is this Saturday. Doors open at 5:30pm. The SVRG Killabytes take on the San Fernando Valley Like OMG’s at 6pm, and the SVRG Dot.Kamikazes face the V Town Derby Dames at 8pm. Purchase tickets online in advance for a discounted rate. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door. More details about the bout can be found here.

Interested in joining our ranks? Contact recruitment@svrollergirls.com for more information about our Circuit Jerks program.

Special thanks to Belle Wringer and Mona Stat for organizing the awards, and to Absolutely Scabulous for coordinating with the excellent venue, the Naglee Park Garage.

Stats-Based Awards for the Dot.Kamikazes

Located in downtown San Jose, the Silicon Valley Athletic Club is a full-service sports facility. Formerly known as the San Jose Athletic Club, SVAC has been an SVRG sponsor since 2010. It offers full court basketball, racquetball courts, a 25-yard swimming pool, weight rooms, massage therapy, cardiovascular machines and group fitness classes. Locker rooms include steam, sauna and spa. The Corinthian Ballroom hosts a number of events throughout the year.

To prepare for our 2013 season, SVAC helped us with our second annual Hotter on Hiatus challenge. Skaters Foo Bar, Luna Chick, Mad 4 Gravy, LauRAWR, Leigh Featherstone and Lizapalooza all competed in the off-season challenge to improve body mass ratios, build strength, and face the season with a strong foundation. Each athlete was measured by SVAC personal trainers for weight, strength and fitness indicators. Mad 4 Gravy won ... Read More »]]>

Located in downtown San Jose, the Silicon Valley Athletic Club is a full-service sports facility. Formerly known as the San Jose Athletic Club, SVAC has been an SVRG sponsor since 2010. It offers full court basketball, racquetball courts, a 25-yard swimming pool, weight rooms, massage therapy, cardiovascular machines and group fitness classes. Locker rooms include steam, sauna and spa. The Corinthian Ballroom hosts a number of events throughout the year.

To prepare for our 2013 season, SVAC helped us with our second annual Hotter on Hiatus challenge. Skaters Foo Bar, Luna Chick, Mad 4 Gravy, LauRAWR, Leigh Featherstone and Lizapalooza all competed in the off-season challenge to improve body mass ratios, build strength, and face the season with a strong foundation. Each athlete was measured by SVAC personal trainers for weight, strength and fitness indicators. Mad 4 Gravy won the six-week challenge.

In addition to SVRG, SVAC partners with the San Jose Earthquakes, San Jose Sabercats, and Ballet San Jose. You can often find your favorite roller girls meeting up at the club for an off-skates workout or resting sore muscles in the hot tub.

Visit their website to obtain a free three-day guest pass!

Silicon Valley Athletic Club
196 N. Third Street, San Jose, CA 95112 | (408) 292-1141
Facebook | Twitter

San Jose Skate 397 Blossom Hill Road San Jose, CA 95123 (408) 226-1155

Children (ages: 0-5): Free Children (ages: 6-10): $8 Adult general seating: $12 VIP tickets: $30

397 Blossom Hill Road San Jose, CA 95123 (408) 226-1155

288 South 2nd Street San Jose, CA 95113 (408) 533-1023

2006 S Winchester Blvd Suite C Campbell, CA 95008 (408) 533-1023

980 South Bascom Avenue San Jose, CA 95128 (408) 292-1404

30 Washington Street Santa Clara, CA 95050 (408) 244-1937

This year, we’re excited to bring back the ... Read More »]]> Doors open at 5:30 pm, with SVRG’s KillaBytes taking on the Like OMGs of San Fernando Valley starting at 6pm. The Dot.Kamikazes battle the V-Town Derby Dames at 8pm. We will have our infamous beer garden and numerous vendors showcasing all you need to bleed SVRG black and green. General seating means get there when doors open at 5:30pm to get a good seat.

Venue

San Jose Skate
397 Blossom Hill Road
San Jose, CA 95123
(408) 226-1155

Tickets

Children (ages: 0-5): Free
Children (ages: 6-10): $8
Adult general seating: $12
VIP tickets: $30

Purchasing Physical Tickets

San Jose Skate

397 Blossom Hill Road
San Jose, CA 95123
(408) 226-1155

Psycho Donuts (2 locations)

288 South 2nd Street
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 533-1023

2006 S Winchester Blvd Suite C
Campbell, CA 95008
(408) 533-1023

Streetlight Records

980 South Bascom Avenue San Jose, CA 95128
(408) 292-1404

Normandy House Lounge

30 Washington Street
Santa Clara, CA 95050
(408) 244-1937

Pabst VIP Section

This year, we’re excited to bring back the Pabst VIP section. This ticket offers premier reserved seating with upgraded cushioned chairs and tables. They have the absolute best view of the entire track as they are stationed just opposite the team benches. They have dedicated roller girl wait staff and come with one Pabst Blue Ribbon bag, filled with giveaways to our most loyal fans. As always, the bout will feature a beer garden (21+), a snack bar, a halftime show, raffle prizes, and more.

Afterparty

Our after-party (21+) will be held at Normandy House Lounge, 30 Washington Street, Santa Clara, CA 95050.

Community Partners

A portion of ticket sales will be donated to our featured charity, West Valley Community Services. This organization encourages the sharing of community resources, provide basic human needs in a caring and dignified environment, and offer volunteers opportunities.

Press and Advertisers

Press passes are available for local media covering the event at pr@svrollergirls.com.
SVRG is also looking for advertisers for this and future bouts; please contact sponsorship@svrollergirls.com if interested.