DERBY DOLL OF THE MONTH FEBRUARY 2018 - WHORECHATA

This month of love is dedicated to our league-wide Valentine and Derby Doll of the Month, WhoreChata!

For all of February, we at LA Derby Dolls are celebrating the greatness that is our league mate, WhoreChata. Chata has been a force to be reckoned with these past few months; from being drafted to the Sirens to taking on one of LADD’s biggest events at Night on Broadway. She has worked day and night rallying our league together and has really revived the spirit of all her derby sisters and we love her for it.

Here at LADD, Chata first made her league mark as Co-Head of PR and has been killing it ever since. As Co-Head, she helps lead her committee of social media creatives with her vibrant direction and bold diligence. Her work in the committee has landed us great opportunities with big players such as Irwindale Speedway, Night on Broadway, and Buzzfeed. Chata has really helped keep us relevant and connected with our public and fans through all of her PR work for the league and has paved way for a dynamic future for the Derby Dolls.

Chata’s excellence in PR really shined at the beginning of this year as she headed our Night on Broadway public bout. She made it possible for our league to play in one of the biggest events our city has to offer! We were able to skate under the LA sky as a crowd of over 700 people was able to see us in action again, and it’s all thanks to her. She spent months talking to the coordinators, leading the planning, and uniting us all together to create such an unforgettable event for our league. 

These killer PR skills that Chata so humbly possesses is also highly complimented by her skills on the track. As a newly drafted Siren, Chata has more than proven her abilities to be a great team player. Her team loves her for her dedication, blocking skills and her vicious slide blocks.

And if that isn’t enough, our ever so charming Chata has also taken up duties as part of our Juniors training team. You can catch her teaching our young skaters (and even her daughter, Poison Ivy) the skating skills, teamwork and strategy it takes to become an LA Derby Doll. Her coaching and knowledge help mold our Junior ladies into the tough and empowered women of our future. 

This amazing woman has done so much for us as a league and she deserves all the valentines and chocolates!! We love you, WhoreChata! XOXO

DERBY DOLL OF THE MONTH JANUARY 2018 - SWEET HOME ALABAMM'YA

She’s the sweetest skater to ever hit the track. Let’s hear it for our January Derby Doll of the Month, Sweet Home AlaBAMM’ya!

We’re kicking off our year of dazzling Derby Dolls with the sweetest of them all- Sweet Home AlaBAMM’ya! Sweetie is a seasoned leader at LADD and has proven her stunning leadership skills as Sirens Co-Captain, Co-Head of Training, part of EC Management and Head of DPV. She has taken on these immense duties with such grace and patience and has really kept our league and its members rolling through. 

Over the past year, Sweetie has been a really strong backbone for us at LADD. She has been one we can all depend on as she continuously takes the initiative to keep us trucking forward as a league. Sweetie’s introduced countless pieces of policy to the EC this year and even implemented Operation Clean Wheels, which has done wonders for the integrity of our track. Her vision and energy to keep us at our best is a style in which we only wish to achieve. 

Her bright ideas and helpful spirit are complemented with her encouraging teaching style. As head of DPV, Sweetie has taken on the challenging task of teaching a new era of skaters. The encouragement she brings to even the newest on skates makes you feel as if anything is possible. Her patience and her commitment to training our up and coming have created an ever-growing pot of skaters in our LADD family. 

Sweetie has taken on her seasons at LADD “laying down the law” as part of our leagues, Sirens. *WHOOP WHOOP*. This past season she took on the pivotal role of Co-captain and her team couldn’t be any more grateful. Sweetie’s strong voice and stellar blocking have made her a force to be reckoned with, making the Sirens a team to beat. Not to mention, these top-notch skating skills has also landed her a spot as part of our All-star team, The Ri-Ettes.

Sweetie not only helps lead her ladies in Blue but she also fronts her own little derby family team! Armed with two little skaters of her own, Sweetie and her daughters are fore-fronting a new wave of tough ladies!

Sweetie helped make our league great in 2017 and we can’t wait to see the ideas and leadership she has for us in the years to come! This one’s to you, Sweet Home AlaBAMM’ya!

DERBY DOLL OF THE MONTH DECEMBER 2017 - ANNA MEAN GABLES

Is there a penalty for stealing our hearts? ❤️  Here’s to our December Derby Doll of the Month, Anna Mean Gables!

This December we’re celebrating one of our league’s greatest gifts, our Enforcer Extraordinaire – Anna Mean Gables! She’s been making calls for LADD for years and has stayed loyal to the league as we’ve hopped home to home. Her commitment to the league and the skaters is unmatched and we hope to share more good times with her for years to come!

Meanie has been an unsung hero the past few months. She has taken on the title of de-facto Captain of the Enforcers, which has ultimately led her to take on the work of 3. *HOLY MOLEY!* She leads her team of black and white with a level head and a strong knowledge of derby that only comes with years of experience. She has taken on these duties with such heart and has really supported our team of Enforcers through a rough time. 

Her level-headed leadership as an Enforcer has really made her a fond and critical member of our league. Meanie staffs our scrimmages and bouts with her crew and does an amazing job of keeping us all in the know with the rules, and check us on our ever so faulty moves. She is firm but fair and keeps a very open and helpful dialogue with our skaters. Her knowledge has really guided our league into a safer and more educated skating future. 

Meanie is very admired by all she comes in contact with. Both skaters and Enforcers alike really find a comfort knowing they can always talk to Meanie. From rules to advice she is an ear that’ll listen. Armed with this ear she hears thoughts and concerns and has worked diligently to create a safe and inspiring arena for our league.

As you can see, Meanie is anything but mean. Her willingness to take on the duties of captain has proven to all that she is dedicated. Her mindful calls on the track has shown her knowledge. And her thoughtful ear confirms her heart for the league and its skaters. This holiday season we have one more thing to be grateful for and that’s for our lady, Anna Mean Gables!

Derby Doll of the Month November 2017 - SLY FOXX

Sly Foxx has soared her way to the top spot as our November Derby Doll of the Month!

All this month we are honoring our dearest skater, Sly Foxx! Sly has continually gone above and beyond for the league from organizing fundraisers to scheduling practices. Her work for the Derby Dolls has created an arena of camaraderie and peace as we transition as a league, and we adore her immensely for it. 

Our November Derby Doll first started her life on roller skates, years before joining LADD. With a skater mother encouraging her along the way, she roller figure skated from 1991 to 2010. Sly traveled the world on her quads and took part in skate competitions with her precision team. This awesome doll has been killing it on 8 wheels for over 25 years supplying her with both a formal and aggressive skill set that has proven to everyone what a badass she is on skates.

Her rich skating skills are complemented greatly with her generous heart. As we go through our transition, Sly has been a strong helping hand to not just skaters but the league as a whole. She has helped coordinate tryouts and practices for all and has been a great source of information and guidance for LADD members. Sly keeps an open dialogue with the EC and the BOD that has created a peaceful connection for our leaders here at LA Derby Dolls. 

Sly’s contributions to the league don't stop there. Last month, she single handedly planned and directed our sold out Halloween bout at Moonlight Rollerway. This event created a platform for the public to see us again and was a great kickoff for friends and family into the Halloween season. This event helped raise some well needed money for our league and showed everybody that the Derby Dolls are still around and strong. 

Sly’s years at LADD have been filled with the loving camaraderie of her fellow rough and tough, Fight Crew ladies. Her team loves her for her fire and her stone cold blocking. She fights hard beside her teammates and it all payed off last year when they won it all and took home Champs. Sly gives her all to her crew and her team values all that is Sly Foxx. 

Sly has given the league her heart as well as her hard work and dedication. She openly shares her LADD pride with anybody and everybody, while working hard to better herself as a skater and a teammate. Sly is a loving skater that deserves all the love back. Thank you for everything you do, Sly Foxx. 

Derby Doll of the Month October 2017 - Vodka Toxic

Can we get a round of applause for our Derby Doll of the Month, Vodka Toxic?

All this October, we at LA Derby Dolls are celebrating our beloved doll, Vodka Toxic.  Vodka has put in many years of skating and leadership here at LA Derby Dolls. Her guidance and love for the league has put her in awesome director roles such as Head of Fresh Meat, Head of marketing, former VP of Board of Directors, and former Head of PR.  If that’s not enough, this killer lady also played a pivotal role in forming the LA Roller Derby Co-Op and has been a stunning player for years as part of our league’s, Varsity Brawlers. 

Her love for roller derby is unreal. Her 11 ½ years on skates has proved to be meaningful not only to us but to roller derby in LA. Before her Derby Doll days, Vodka was a part of Angel City Derby and is one of their league’s founding members. She has shared many years on skates with both leagues and continues to show her support for the badass women in the roller derby community. 

Vodka Toxic is a very endeared skater in our league. On and off the track she is helpful to all. If there’s ever a skater in need Vodka is there. Whether it be a Fresh Meat skater trying to learn the ropes or a department that needs some assistance, you can depend on her.  

Her 7 1/2 years as a LA Derby Doll has proven to be more than exceptional. She and her team, Varsity Brawlers won the 2015 Championships and keeps a strong love and bond with her ladies in purple. Her snazzy skating on the track is complimented greatly by her stunning taste in music as she is a music marketer by day, badass skater by night. Her derby sisters love her for her playful spirit, determination and great taste in tunes. 

Although she is retiring, this isn’t goodbye. Vodka will be around helping us and continuing to push our skaters and league into a brighter tomorrow. We appreciate you and everything you do. We love you, Vodka Toxic!

Derby Doll of the Month September 2017 - MELISTOPHELES

Can we get a WHOOP WHOOP for our Derby Doll of the Month, MELISTOPHELES! 

For the month of September we at LA Derby Dolls are celebrating– Melistopheles. Mel has helped guide the league with her killer leadership skills as President of the Board of Directors and Co-Head of Subpool. Her direction and guidance has been doing good things for our league and we couldn’t be anymore thankful.

Taking on such demanding leadership positions, Mel has shown the league what a powerhouse she is. Her guidance and leadership is fueled by her big heart and love for the league. As a BOD member she has helped us greatly, as we fight the good fight to keep us up and running. As Co-Head of Subpool she also helps LADD by leading the new age of skaters to being just as badass as she is.

Her proud and confident voice holds strong in both positions of leadership, as well as on the track. Mel has dedicated years to her derby career and has earned her spot as a seasoned Siren. Her teammates admire her for her stunning pivot ability and her sneakiness as a jammer and love the British charm and liveliness she brings to the team.

When she’s not on the track Mel lives an interesting little at home farm life. She and her husband share their home with cute chickens and goats as well as fig trees and other vegetation. She willingly shares the fruits of her labor with other dolls by bringing eggs and delicious fig snacks. Her devotion to her farm oasis runs deep like her devotion for all our league's skaters.

Her love for the league and her boss leadership skills are why we have named her our Derby Doll of the Month. Cheers to you, Melistopheles!

Derby Doll of the Month August 2017 - FANNY B. WERKIN'

Our Derby Doll of the Month - August 2017 is Tough Cookie Rookie, Fanny B. Werkin’!

All this month we at LA Derby Dolls are celebrating our doll, Fanny B. Werkin’. Fanny has been an unstoppable force in the league both on and off the track. Her commitment to LADD as a team player and fundraising extraordinaire have been more than amazing and we are all truly grateful.

Fanny has taken on the most crucial job right now for LADD, as head of fundraising and she has been killing it. Her dedication to the league’s fundraising efforts is unmatched. She has set herself personal fundraising goals that have been met with thousands of dollars in donations. Her work as head of the department has also provided the league with awesome events such as our very successful Whip It screening. 

Her commitment to the Derby Dolls doesn’t stop there. Fanny’s also apart of our league’s, Tough Cookies team. Her teammates, as well as all the other dolls, have seen how smart and dedicated she is to the sport. They all love how positive she is when she takes the track and admire her for her awesome teamwork and badass skating skills. 

Fanny skates with a full heart for the league and her derby sisters and we appreciate her dearly for that. So this is us giving the love back to her. This month is to you, Fanny B. Werkin’!

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Support Fanny's fundraising efforts to Keep The Derby Dolls Rolling!

#WhyISkate

The LA Derby Dolls have sent out a call to action with #WhyISkate to all members of the roller derby and roller skating community to come together and showcase the diverse and inspiring stories that empower this community. While it rings true to the mission of the LA Derby Dolls, #WhyISkate goes beyond the league barriers and seeps into the global culture of skating. Skating is a lifeline for those who participate for various reasons, and we want to highlight the positive impact that skating has on people’s lives.

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Here are just a few stories we’ve received for #WhyISkate.  

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Amelia BigDealia
Roller derby is a place where I NEVER have to apologize for who I am; I can embrace the parts of me that intimidate people in “the real world.” Let’s be real. I have a STRONG personality and I’m not everyone’s cup of tea! Knowing this I live with a little voice inside me, frequently asking annoying questions like, “Did I come on too strong? Did I take that too far? Should I have just not said anything?” On the track, all of that goes away. I can be as aggressive, competitive, sassy, loud, and fierce as I want to be! And that’s pretty close to perfect, if you ask me. Getting to be my authentic self. That’s why I skate.

Remix to Submission
Growing up as a female athlete, you are rarely allowed to be good at a sport without a qualification. You might be great at ______ (name almost any sport), but you are only great "for a girl." Derby doesn't allow that kind of thinking. You don't have to feel lesser than because you are a woman. When you are good, you are good. Period. No ifs, ands or "for a girl."

Stormy Sky
I skate because it's really fun and it makes me feel cool.

Frida Beararms
I skate to reclaim what was lost. In my school days I was a determined athlete who overcame many challenges to compete. Being an athlete was an integral part of my identity; I designed my future around sports. In 2002 I was diagnosed with a chronic illness and it was like I had died. I felt as though everything I once was I could no longer be. I got tired of fighting so hard to do every day things that I did something I never did before - I gave up when things got hard. It was small things at first but once I started to give up, it became easier to give up the next time. Skating has helped me begin to break that habit. Again, it was small things at first; I fall down, I get back up. I get pushed, I push back. Now I am frequently challenging myself to conquer new skills, to be faster, to hit harder and be a better teammate. This willingness to be challenged bleeds into my life outside of skating, allowing me to reclaim what was lost and rebuild.

For more inspiring stories search for #WhyISkate or follow us on Facebook for more updates. 

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Help us keep rolling and support the LA Derby Dolls by donating.

Roller Derby Saved My Soul

BY JORGA HOUY, L.Ac. OF LA SPORTS ACUPUNCTURE

Recently I took this picture at the Postal Museum in Washington, DC – “roller derby saved my soul” written on a skate wheel. It gave me pause and chuckled to myself, because I knew exactly what it meant.

In 2008, I got a call from a friend asking if I wanted to see the roller derby. I remember watching roller derby on TV as a kid, and though I didn’t really understand it, I knew it was exciting. So, when I got that call, I said “damn right I want to go see the roller derby.”

That evening at The Doll Factory in Historic Filipinotown, I entered a new world, roaring with the sound of wheels on the track and cheers from crowd packed to the rafters as the Tough Cookies battled the Sirens. It was amazing – beer, food, fans, and badass ladies on skates! As thrilling as it was, I realized roller derby is a legit hardcore sport and the skaters were getting banged up. Then a lightbulb went off in my head. I knew could help them.

By the end of the game, I volunteered my acupuncture services to the LA Derby Dolls. Soon after that, I decided to specialize my private acupuncture practice in sports medicine. It felt so right; I’ve studied the body and been active my entire life, my parents were professional ballet dancers, and I myself have a background in martial arts and have been injured many times. Within a month I was treating skaters and was listed as a sponsor. Within two months, I officially joined the Doll Repair Team, LADD’s volunteer medical staff.

My work with the LA Derby Dolls has helped me personally and professionally. Over the last eight years, I have met so many wonderful people – insane athletes, brilliant medical professionals, and many friends for life, all while helping me to become an expert in the field of sports acupuncture.

In short, roller derby saved my soul.

All a Derby Doll wants for Christmas!

Wait… there are HOW MANY DAYS LEFT ‘TIL CHRISTMAS?!!!! We may not be able to help you with all your presents, but we can certainly help you get the perfect present for the roller derby player in your life. Here are some great ideas to save the day!

March RADness - Best training from the best in the game

Yes, we know it’s December BUT every skater is looking to up their skills and this is a great event to plan ahead for! Some of the most talented skaters and trainers from all over the the flat and banked roller derby world (think Team USA) come to our tracks to teach the latest and greatest skills to hit the track. Passes are already on sale and any skater would be ecstatic to get an opportunity to attend!

Derby Gear (links below)

Fun Fact: Every skater needs a new something, just ask them! Vital gear gets worn out in this full contact sport faster when you are going 100%. Plus, gear is released in new pretty colors… ALL THE TIME!!! There are plenty of skate shops in the area to go pick her up those fancy new Radar wheels or a brand new S-ONE helmet (our favorite and top recommendation!) to protect their noggin. Not sure what to get them? Then go with a gift certificate, or a new mouth guard.

Wicked Skatewear - Derby Doll Favorite!!

Moxie Roller Skate Shop

Empire Skate Shop 

Valley Skate & Surf

Work Out Attire - Everything Stretchy!

We spend a LOT of time being active, practice, off skates, games, league promotional events. So we need clothes than can keep up with us. Your favorite derby player can most definitely need a new pair of compression pants, sports bra or their preferred sock to skate in. You can pick up work out clothes up anywhere but we recommend:

Frogmouth Clothing

Target - you are on a time limit after all and their pants are sturdy!

Underarmour

Pivotstar

Derby Por Vida - Not a roller derby player yet but wants to be??

Maybe your Derby Doll hasn’t gotten the courage to get on the track yet. Give her a little assist and whip her into shape with Derby Por Vida. DPV is a roller derby class that teaches new skaters looking to get their feet wet! Whether they are looking for a new workout regimen or hope to one day be a Derby Doll All Star, it’s a perfect way to get started. Psst.. get a discount if you buy them 8 classes, you'll look awesome and save a few bucks!

Kickrail - Leave your stamp on the Derby Dolls

Let your roller derby player leave their mark on the track in a more literal way. There are still some sections of the track available to put their or your name on the banked track! Become a permanent part of the history of The Dollosseum. Plus, you get to relive the joy of your gift every bout you're at!

Amazon Wishlist - The year round gift

What if ALL the Derby Dolls are the special player in your life?! If you’re looking to do something big or small to what you consider your home and your league take a gander at our Amazon wishlist. Sometimes, little things can go a long way. Collectively, one tiny piece at a time, we can keep our skaters happy and healthy and our home thriving and beautiful. As always, we appreciate the generosity that flows from our league, our family, and our community!

We Need YOUR Vote for the #MyLA2050 Grant

"I have 2 daughters in the Juniors Program ages 12 and 8. I can attest
to roller derby transforming them physically, mentally and very much emotionally." - Brooklyn Deck-Her, LADD Juniors League Trainer, Coach and
Mother.

"Our league is a safe haven for children and adults alike, and as the saying goes, 'Roller Derby Saved My Soul'." - Sly Foxx, Fight Crew
 

We are known around the world as the premiere banked track league, we are THE Derby Dolls.  We have been a model for organizations in the larger global banked roller derby community, and we are proud of this standing but even prouder of our diverse organization focused on using this sport to improve the lives of women.  With the responsibility of running such a large DIY organization, we also face organizational struggles and work around the clock to offer our vast network of volunteer skaters, coaches, refs, doctors, announcers, and fans the best possible experience in the best possible facility to create a lasting impact on our community.

As you may have seen, the Derby Dolls have submitted a proposal for the LA2050 grant to help celebrate the promotion of social and emotional support through our very unique women’s team sports. 

If you’re reading this, please take a moment to support us here -http://bit.ly/LADDLA2050

The grant funds will help us to make improvements to the infrastructure of our training and events facility The Dollosseum, and increase our outreach to the greater Los Angeles community.

Now, let’s celebrate some of the proven good that roller derby and our league has brought to our community of skaters, moms, and trainers!

I think LA Derby Dolls thrive because of our community support, and in
turn, our community thrives because of our support. We have held and
participated in several health and job fairs, pet vaccination and
adoptions, and charity walks in order for our community to have access
to options they might not otherwise have, and we are happy to give a
safe space to our neighbors. - Sly Foxx, Veteran Skater in Fight Crew

"The thing that keeps me invested is seeing skaters come in with all
their fears and doubts, and then to see them accomplish far more than
they thought they could.  Whether or not they continue with the
league, they then carry that sense of accomplishment, of being more
than they thought when they started into the world." - Sweet Home AlaBAMMya, Skater in Sirens

"For the last 4 years, I have had the pleasure of working with the
Juniors program at Los Angeles Derby Dolls. I have seen these young
women grow into powerful athletes, into compassionate and respectful
teammates, into empowered young women with confidence and drive." - Brooklyn Deck-Her

Recently, the derby dolls were volunteers at CicLAvia and I signed up
to volunteer as part of our community service. While hundreds rolled
by in their bicycles, I can't count how many people looked directly at
me and thanked me for simply volunteering. They would say things like
"Thank you for keeping us safe," "Thank you derby doll," "Thanks for
volunteering." -Zooey Ramirez, Derby Por Vida Graduate and Current Freshmeat Skater

Are you ready to be an Enforcer?

Our referees,the Enforcers are a vital part of the Derby Doll community. Without their endless support, training and time we would not be the league we are today, let alone be able to hold our bi-monthly bouts! On top of their volunteering, they are also well regarded in the banked track community for their skill as officials.  To become an Enforcer takes time, similar to becoming an all star roller derby player and the opportunity to take that first step is coming up! We are holding our New Enforcer Orientation on Wednesday, October 19th. As we get ready to welcome the new crop of potential Enforcers we asked one of our current Enforcers , Wayne No Regretzky to share his experience in joining the Derby Dolls family.

To be an Enforcer! About a year and a half ago, my life was totally different. Life had thrown me a 12-6 curveball, and I swung and missed, HARD!!! I was in a really bad spot in my life when I heard that the Derby Dolls were moving to my hometown of El Sereno. Their first game was to be played on April 25, 2015.

As a teenager, I had gone to a couple of bouts at the Grand Olympic Auditorium, during one of the many attempts to revive the T-Birds. I had a blast every time. No way I was going to miss watching Derby in my own backyard! Needless to say, I wasn’t disappointed.

I heard they had a referee team looking for new refs. I filled out the New Enforcer Orientation form a couple weeks ahead of time, but figured I would never hear back.

About 2 weeks later, I received an email for the New Enforcer Orientation. I confirmed my interest and on May 20, 2015, I began my roller derby journey. I was very surprised at how friendly everyone was! Very welcoming and warm. Immediately, I knew that this is what I wanted to be a part of, something I knew I could be good at. It wasn’t always easy, but has always been rewarding.

As time went on, and the more training I received, I knew I had made the right choice. Becoming an Enforcer is one of the coolest, most rewarding achievements. Through all of this, I have met so many amazing people and am honored to call a lot of them friends! It’s like one big, happy, crazy family!!! It’s SUPER cliché, but Roller Derby changed my life! I wouldn’t change any of it! I look back at myself in early 2015 and can’t believe how much has changed, and for the better. I have the entire Derby Dolls league to thank for so much!

If you are looking to do something very fun, and are looking to be part of something unique and amazing, this very well may be exactly what you are looking for!!!!

Interested in learning more? Sign up today to attend on Wednesday October 19th!  All NEO attendees receive 2 free tickets to a future game.