SAN MARCOS — Not even 100-degree weather can stop the women of the San Marcos River Rollers from strapping on their skates and hitting the pavement.  

The River Rollers are a flat track roller derby league and 501(c)(3) nonprofit that started back in May 2017. Women from all walks of life, including trans women, are welcome to join.  

Prior to COVID-19, the league often competed in local bouts, consisting of several jams. Their travel team, the Merciless Mermaids, competed against other derby leagues in the state, as well as in home bouts. 

The league was met with challenges throughout the pandemic, though, as skaters were unable to meet and practice as often and traveling wasn’t possible. It wasn’t until after they held a 12-week skate boot camp earlier this year, from February to May, that offered the league a chance to rebuild. Since then, about 20 new members have joined the five or so remaining veteran skaters. 

No experience is required to join, so skaters have been working on basic skills to help the team find its footing again. They have also been looking for sponsors so they can hold practices in indoor facilities, and continue to hold and participate in a variety of fundraisers focused on inclusivity. 

Of course, picking a derby name is a rite-of-passage for any roller derby skater. Names are usually a nickname, pun or a chance to adopt an alter on-track ego. The River Rollers are home to skaters like Mega Mad, Cherry Poppins and Strawberry Stompcake “Stomp,” founders of the league.

Strawberry Stompcake, left, and Cherry Poppins, right, prepare for the jam. Stomp and Cherry were jammers for their respective teams, designated by the stars on their helmets. Roller derby is a contact sport, so full safety gear is necessary to protect against possible falls and others hips and shoulders.

Stomp said that it has been amazing to see the league “come back to life,” saying that they have found huge motivation with the new additions. 

The River Rollers during a jam. Skaters divide into two teams and designate a jammer and four blockers. Blockers skate counterclockwise in a pack formation, and the jammer must speed through the pack. Jammers score points by lapping members of the opposing team, while the rest of their team plays both offense and defense as they simultaneously hinder the opposing jammer while assisting their own.

The River Rollers’ June 8 practice marked Amy Casey’s, aka Focker Block-her, first time coaching the team. The evening consisted of practicing turnaround toe stops, playing games on skates such as Simon Says, Duck Duck Goose and Vampire Slayer and even a couple jams, all giving skaters the opportunity to find their balance, practice their moves and work together. They ended the night with an off-skate water balloon fight — “just to cool down and have fun,” Casey said. 

HoJ Simpson, middle, skates away from newly-named Marauder, right, during a game of Duck Duck Goose. Focker Block-her, left, kneels in place.

One thing was evident throughout the duration of the practice: this group of women are supportive of each other, both in and out of the sport. Amongst all of the friendly competition, they encouraged each other to listen to their bodies, drink plenty of water and take breaks as often as they needed, ending practice by stretching, breathing and meditating together.

The River Rollers offer local women the chance to join a fun community of other women, stay active and learn a new skill. In the eyes of skater Kricky KaBoom, she feels that roller derby can “change the world.”

If you are interested in joining the River Rollers or at least getting a glimpse into what the league is like, visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/sanmarcosriverrollers and message them about dropping in on a practice on Sundays or Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on the track at River Ridge Park in San Marcos. 

All photos by Brittany Anderson.

Brittany Anderson graduated from Texas State University in August 2020 with a bachelor's degree in journalism. She previously worked at KTSW 89.9, Texas State University's radio station, for nearly two years in the web content department as a writer and assistant manager. She has reported for the Hays Free Press/News-Dispatch since July 2021.

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