Breaking barriers: Fayetteville Roller Derby empowers women
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) -- March is Women's History Month, a time to recognize women who defy expectations. On the roller derby track at Fayetteville's Crown Complex, women are doing just that by blending strength, speed, and attitude as they shatter stereotypes, one lap at a time.
For the women of the Fayetteville roller derby team, this isn't just a sport; it's power on wheels.
"It's invigorating. It's empowering to be a woman that can play in a sport that not a lot of people know about. And it's tough. And this is my first sport that I've really ever played. I always said non-contact sports," said Erika "Fallout Babe" Gibson, a skater.
Founded 13 years ago, the team has become a tight-knit community where strength and sisterhood collide. Some, like Ashley "Pound Cake" Sharpe, have been fans since childhood.
You know, the hits that we take are powerful. The hits that we're giving are intentional. We are playing a sport that we know we can get injured in, and we all have insurance for, but we love it.- Erika
"I had been watching Fayetteville roller derby since I was really little. I won tickets, free tickets to their game a really long time ago. I was obsessed ever since then," Sharpe said.
One of roller derby's unique traditions is the adoption of derby names.
"I go by Fallout Babe at Derby," said Gibson. Sharpe added, "My roller derby name is Pound Cake." For Misti "Corporal Killah" Fisher, the name is a badge of honor: "My derby name is Corporal Killah."
For newcomers like Sharpe, the sport is more than just competition; it's an opportunity for growth both on and off the track.
"I actually live in Wilmington, North Carolina. So it's a far drive there because there's no roller derby in Wilmington," she said. "Just starting out. So far, I've learned different stops. Like, you know, plow stops, t stops doing bubbles. Just the basics."
A typical roller derby match sees four blockers from each team forming a pack, working to stop the opposing jammer while helping their own score points. But the rules are only part of the story.
As Fisher, a veteran skater, explained, "About a week ago, I hit 16 years of doing Derby minus two kids, COVID, and a broken leg."
Practices are demanding, and the commitment is real.
"It can be demanding. We have practice usually two days a week for our all-star team. You have to make 50% attendance in order to play," Fisher said.
The team is made up of women from all walks of life, moms, veterans, and nurses, proving that strength comes in many forms.
"You know, the hits that we take are powerful. The hits that we're giving are intentional. We are playing a sport that we know we can get injured in, and we all have insurance for, but we love it," Gibson said.
Their first bout of the season rolls out Saturday at 5 p.m., with doors opening at 4 p.m. at the Crown Complex.
