PRESS KIT - Texas Rollergirls

2012 SEASON 

PRESS KIT 

TEXAS 

ROLLERGIRLS 

FOR MORE INFO: TexasRollergirls.org 

MEDIA INQUIRIES: media@texasrollergirls.org 

all photos (c) 2011 Full Tilt Photography

TEXAS 

ROLLERGIRLS 

SATURDAYS 

AT THE AUSTIN CONVENTION CENTER 

MAR 3 

APR 21 

MAY 19 

JUN 2 

JUL 21-22 

AUG 18 

SEP 8 

2012 

SEASON 

» Audience Age Range: 25-55 

» Male: 41% / Female: 59% 

» Education: 91% have some 

college education 

» 3,000 capacity audience at 

each bout. (approx) 

» Website: 55,000 page views 

per month 

» Twitter: over 3,000 followers 

» Facebook: over 8,000 fans 

and 200,000+ post 

views per month 

MEDIA INQUIRIES: 

media@texasrollergirls.org 

FOR MORE INFO: 

TexasRollergirls.org 

THIS IS ROLLER DERBY. It all started here. 20,000 women roll across the 

globe today, but just ten years ago roller derby was a quirky little underground game played by a few 

dozen women right here in Austin. The sport captured the hearts of women everywhere, and is now 

the world’s fastest growing sport for women. Roller derby is played on every inhabited continent. 

From the northernmost reaches of Europe to the southernmost tip of Africa; from Japanese military 

bases, to outback Australia, to cozy little English hamlets; from tiny towns to 

the world’s biggest cities. 

TEXAS IS THE REASON. Texas Rollergirls were the pioneers of flat track roller derby. We’re 

also its future. Austin is home to some of the founding members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby 

Association, the international governing body for the sport. Our members created the first rule set 

for modern flat track roller derby and designed the specs for the track. We’ve traveled the world 

over to share our skills and we’re training the next generation of derby stars right here in our 

thriving junior program, (c) 2011 the Full Tilt Austin Photography Derby Brats. We also think skating is just plain fun, so we have 

a recreational arm, the Rec-n-Rollerderby where women can play derby without the fierce 

competition and time committment of the premier league. Our core mission is the growth of the 

revolution we call roller derby. 

LIVING LEGENDS. The Texecutioners are legends. Featuring 20 of our best and brightest skaters 

from each of Austin’s four home teams, our all-star team is a force to be reckoned with that is 

consistently at the top of the sport. The winningest roller derby team ever, the Texecutioners won the 

first-ever WFTDA Championship in 2006 and are one of only three teams to make it to the 

tournament every year. The Texecutioners are ranked third in the world after the 2011 

Championships and they’ve already begun their campaign to get back on the very top: #1 in 2012. 

SERIOUS BUSINESS. Texas Rollergirls is a women-owned and women-operated non-profit 

organization, with skaters working at all levels of the business. We are deeply involved in our local 

community, volunteering with the other great associations that make Austin such an amazing town. 

WHO ARE WE? By the Numbers: 

» 1 all-star squad — Texecutioners 

» 4 home teams — Hell Marys, Honky Tonk Heartbreakers, Hotrod Honeys, Hustlers 

» 50+ volunteers 

» 75 premier league skaters 

» 90 junior skaters 

» 200 recreational skaters 

» 3,000 fans at every game 

(c) 2011 Full Tilt Photography 

WHEN AND WHERE? Texas Rollergirls bouts are held at the Austin Convention Center 

(500 E Cesar Chavez St, Austin TX 78701). Our 2012 dates are March 3, April 21, May 19, 

June 2, August 18 and September 8. We’re also hosting a two-day invitational tournament featuring 

the Texecutioners and other top-level teams on the weekend of July 21-22.

FLAT TRACK BOUT. By the Numbers: 

» 2 minute plays - aka “a jam” 

» 2 x 30 minute periods 

» 30 seconds between jams 

» 3 timeouts per team 

» 4 minors or 1 major penalty = 

1 minute in the penalty box 

» 7 trips to the box = Player ejection 

JAMMER 

PIVOT 

» Helmet cover with star. 

She is the point-scorer and 

earns one point for her team 

every time she laps a 

member of the opposition. 

» Helmet cover with stripe. 

A specialized class of 

blocker, wearing a stripe on 

her helmet. Acting as a 

temporary captain, she leads the pack on 

the track and can also receive a ‘star 

pass’ where she becomes the jammer. 

Check out our website for more detail on 

this rare beast. 

BLOCKERS 

» No helmet cover. 

Blockers assist and protect 

their jammer and impede 

the opposing jammer. 

Blockers play both offense 

and defense as needed. 

(c) 2012 Rom Anthonis 

2012 TEXAS ROLLERGIRLS 

DERBY 101 

WHAT IS ROLLER DERBY? 

Roller derby is a full-contact skating sport, played on a flat, oval track, in which points are scored by 

lapping members of the opposition. A team consists of up to 14 players, with up to 5 on the track at 

any given time. 

HOW THE GAME IS PLAYED 

To begin, four blockers and a jammer from each team line up behind their starting points, the blockers 

at a line 30 feet ahead of the jammers. A single whistle from the referees starts the pack rolling and 

once it moves past the front line, the jammers are signaled to take off with a double whistle blast. 

Points are scored by lapping members of the opposition - one point apiece - so the jammers begin 

picking up points on their second pass through the field of blockers. The initial, non-scoring pass 

matters because the first jammer to cleanly navigate the pack is awarded ‘lead jammer’ status, giving 

her the ability to end the jam at a time of her choosing. The team with the most points at the end of 

the game wins. 

TYPES OF BLOCKS 

BOOTY BLOCK. Maintaining position in front of an opposing skater by using your ‘booty’ to stop her from 

passing. Not the most spectacular block, but often the most effective! 

SHOULDER CHECK. A hit to the side of the body using the shoulder and ribs. 

HIP CHECK. Hitting using the hip to put another skater off-balance or out of bounds. This might look like 

a love-tap, but it’s surprisingly effective because it acts close to or under a skater’s center of gravity. 

CAN-OPENER. A shoulder check that lands on the opposing skater’s sternum. Ouch! 

WHAT’S LEGAL 

» Contact between the shoulders and mid-thigh 

» Hitting someone using your upper thighs, hips, 

butt, side or shoulder 

» Pushing a teammate to give her a boost in speed 

» Being out of bounds as the result of a hit 

» Skating clockwise to return to the pack 

» Jumping the apex - the narrowest part of the 

track - to get past someone 

(c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla 


(c) 2011 Felicia Graham 

WHAT’S NOT LEGAL 

» High and low hits; hits to the back 

» Hitting someone using your lower legs, 

arms, elbows or head 

» Pushing a member of the opposition 

» Being out of bounds to avoid a hit or to 

pass people 

» Skating clockwise while hitting someone or 

to pick up a dropped helmet cover 

» Hitting anyone with both feet off the ground 

MEDIA INQUIRIES: media@texasrollergirls.org 

(c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla

TEXAS 

ROLLERGIRLS 

TEXAS ROLLERGIRLS -- MAKING HISTORY 

2003 The Texas Rollergirls were founded. The first official bout was hosted at 

Playland Skate Center - a double-header which saw the Hotrod Honeys vs Honky 

Tonk Heartbreakers (58-47), and the Hustlers vs Hell Marys (79-51). 

HOME SEASON CHAMPS HUSTLERS 

2004 The Texas travel team participated in the first away game in November. 

Participants included the Arizona Roller Derby, Tucson Roller Derby, and the 

Texas Rollergirls. In December, the Texas Rollergirls hosted the same teams in 

the first official travel game in Austin. 

HOME SEASON CHAMPS HONKY TONK HEARTBREAKERS 

2005 The Texas Rollergirls hosted the first flat track bootcamps in 

September and December in Austin. 


2006 The Texas Rollergirls became one of the founding members of the flat 

track governing body, the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). 

Texas Rollergirls founding member Hydra was voted the first WFTDA president. 

The Texecutioners won the first-ever flat track tournament, the Dust Devil, in 

Tucson, Arizona. 


2007 The Texas Rollergirls hosted the first WFTDA Championship 

tournament at the Austin Convention Center. The Texecutioners went on 

to place third in the nation and have consistently placed in the top 5 at 

subsequent tournaments. This year also marked the first-ever traveling 

bootcamp in Chico, California. Since then, we have traveled around the 

world hosting league-branded and team-branded bootcamps. We officially 

founded the Texas Rollergirls Rec-n-Rollerderby league, dedicated to 

bringing roller derby to women of all dedication levels. 

HOME SEASON CHAMPS HELL MARYS 

-SEASON CHAMPS- 

2007 


2004, 2005, 2006 


2008, 2009, 2010 

2008 The Texas Rollergirls became a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to 

promoting women’s flat track roller derby as a premier sport within our community. 

The first international flat track game was played when the Hotrod Honeys traveled 

to Hamilton, Canada to take on the Hammer City Roller Girls. The WFTDA 

Championship tournament trophy was named “The Hydra” - yep, after our very own 

Hydra! (see 2006) 

HOME SEASON CHAMPS HOTROD HONEYS 

2009 The Austin Derby Brats, a flat track program developed by the Texas 

Rollergirls for skaters 8-17 years old, won the Austin Chronicle’s “Best of Austin” 

2009 Critics Pick in the Kids category. 


2010 The Hustlers traveled to London, England to play the first intercontinental 

flat track game against the London Rollergirls. 


2011 For the first time since its inception, the Texas Rollergirls moved from 

Playland Skate Center to the Austin Convention Center for regular season bouts. 

The Hotrod Honeys continued spreading roller derby around the world by playing 

against the Victorian Roller Derby League in Melbourne, Australia. 

HOME SEASON CHAMPS HUSTLERS 

2012 We’ll see you at the Convention Center! 


2003, 2011 


-3RD IN THE WORLD - WFTDA- 

2011 

MEDIA INQUIRIES: media@texasrollergirls.org

2012 TEXAS ROLLERGIRLS 

HOME AND ALL-STAR TEAMS 

BABY FACE ASSASSIN # 4’10½” RUBY WRING #52 VOODOO DOLL #29 

HELL MARYS 

2011 RANKING: #3 (1W, 3L) 

The Hell Marys School for 

Wayward Girls, established in 

1666, is a Texas institution and its 

varsity roller derby team is a force 

to be reckoned with. Clad in plaid, 

the Hell Marys started an Austin 

trend with last year’s new cheer: 

“Punch, punch, punch, ARROW!” 

The Hells ended their wilderness 

years in convincing style in 2011. 

After picking up a lot of fresh new 

talent at the start of the year, the 

team finally pulled out a win when 

it mattered most, in the third-place 

playoff. They’ll be looking to build 

on this success in 2012 and with 

several promising newcomers on 

the roster, they'll be in good shape 

to raise some hell! 

Photo Credit: (c) 2012 Rom Anthonis 

HONKY TONK 

HEARTBREAKERS 

2011 RANKING: #4 (1W, 3L) 

Texas is cowgirl country and our 

Honky Tonk Heartbreakers are 

proud to represent this part of our 

heritage - with a little bit of added 

glitz and glamor! They pair their 

navy gingham with gold and electric 

blue; their team cheer is “Glitter 

Done” - and they do. 

The Heartbreakers were favorites 

heading into the 2011 3rd place 

playoff but were upset by a 

determined Hell Marys squad. 

2012 will mark a new chapter in 

their existing rivalry and we’re 

looking forward to seeing sparks 

fly next time they meet on the 

track. The Heartbreakers are 

debuting a new-look coaching 

squad this season and with a 

Texecutioner-studded lineup, 

we’re expecting big things. 

HOTROD HONEYS 

2011 RANKING: #2 (3W, 1L) 

Black- and pink-clad girl mechanics, 

our Hotrod Honeys love nothing 

more than to go fast and turn left - 

on a racing track or a flat track! Is 

it any wonder their team motto is 

“Faster, faster, kill kill kill”? 

The Hotrod Honeys dominated the 

league from 2008 through 2010 

with three undefeated seasons but 

their streak came to an end with an 

upset victory by the Hustlers in the 

opening match-up of 2011. They 

picked up another win over their 

purple rivals in regular season play 

but fell at the final hurdle, taking 

second place for the year. 

ACUTE ANGEL #

(c) 2011 Full Tilt Photography (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla 


2012 TEXAS ROLLERGIRLS POSTER GIRL 

BABYFACE ASSASSIN #4’10½” 

REAL NAME: Rita Roxanne Rivera — “Roksi” 

TEXAS ROLLERGIRL SINCE: 2011 

TEAM AFFILIATION: Hell Marys 

POSITIONS: Jammer, Blocker, Pivot (Triple Threat) 

INTERESTING STATS: Despite a devastating injury early in the 2011 season, Babyface Assassin helped 

lead the Hell Marys to an undefeated season on the road and the team’s first home-bout win 

since 2008. 

BABYFACE ASSASSIN’S STORY 

Having suffered a broken ankle only a few months into her tenure with the Texas Rollergirls, Babyface 

Assassin could have simply called it quits, retired from roller derby and gotten comfortable spending life on 

the couch. But this little firecracker is no quitter; quite the contrary. Despite her injury, she made a 

commitment to herself and her team to stay focused. She hobbled on crutches to every practice and 

became a derby footage-viewing addict. And though it took much will power and support to ease back into 

derby play after healing, with the support of her team and coaches, Babyface Assassin has returned for 

the 2012 Texas Rollergirls season with a vengeance. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT BABYFACE ASSASSIN 

“Babyface Assassin is the heart and soul of the Hell Marys. She is unabashedly exuberant and fierce, 

innocent and simple on the surface, but with the calculating spirit and nerve of a cold killer.” – Hell Marys 

Head Coach Punk Rock Phil 

Q&A WITH BABYFACE ASSASSIN 

Q: What is your personal training regimen (skating, derby and otherwise)? 

A: It’s really hard to find a workout schedule that complements derby, especially coming off an injury. 

This is my schedule week-in and week-out, and I try to stick to it the best I can, but I'm very strict about 

making sure I have two full days off to recover. The 2012 stats will reflect if it works or not. 

Monday/Wednesday: League practice 

Tuesday: Speed skate 

Thursday: Hell Marys practice 

Sunday: SlaughterMelon's off-skates training 

Twice Weekly: Full-body, high-intensity cardio and weight-training workout 

Twice Weekly: Full-body plyometric workout, usually before or after league practice 

Twice Weekly: Core workout, usually combined with plyometric workout before or after league practice 

Once Weekly: Full-body kettle bell/cardio workout when schedule allows 

Q: How do you fuel your athletic lifestyle? Do you stick to a specific diet? 

A: I don't really have a specific diet and there is no doubt that I love bacon and boxed wine, but in order to 

survive my derby and workout schedule, I do have to have some limitations. I try to only indulge on my off 

days, and every other day I try a different combination of carbohydrates and proteins to get me through 

practice. The easiest way to fuel my practice is a fruit smoothie with protein powder. And I keep Clif Shot 

Bloks in my bag just in case I feel depleted. The hardest battle I fight is drinking enough water on a daily 

basis and fighting my post-practice cravings. If I have to eat something after practice, it’s usually fruit or a 

protein shake, but what I really want is a giant bean-and-cheese burrito smothered in queso. 

Q: What’s your ultimate derby goal? 

A: I don’t think I have an ultimate derby goal. I will conquer one at a time until I can’t skate anymore. I 

wanted to skate for Texas Rollergirls — check. I wanted to be a triple threat — check. My next major goal 

is to be a contributor to the next Hell Marys championship. I will give all my energy to this goal and after 

that I would like to be in a solid rotation for the Texecutioners. 



(c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla 




MUFFIN TUMBLE #28 

REAL NAME: Terrie Cordova 


TEAM AFFILIATION: Hell Marys (2003-present), Texecutioners (2007-2008) 

POSITIONS: Blocker, Pivot, and occasional Jammer 

INTERESTING STATS: Skating with the Hell Marys since the league’s inception, Muffin Tumble 

showed off her blocking prowess to help clinch the Hell Marys’ only season championship win in 2007. 

MUFFIN TUMBLE’S STORY 

As her name suggests, Muffin Tumble is a sweet bundle of smiles. But don’t let the pigtails and coy 

grins fool you; her dedication to roller derby since the establishment of the Texas Rollergirls has led to 

her dominance on the track, as well as to a reputation as an influential and treasured team player. A 

consummate optimist, Muffin Tumble prepares for a derby bout by visualizing the sights and sounds 

(particularly the hollering fans and the raucous wail of the Local 666 vuvuzelas) and even the smells 

inherent at every derby bout. She imagines the empowering feeling of knocking into opposing blockers 

and the thrill of taking out the opposing jammer. Simply put, Muffin Tumble imagines the taste of 

success, then pushes to achieve it with all her rough and tumble might. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT MUFFIN TUMBLE 

“Muffin Tumble, the multi-year veteran, is still finding ways to surprise me with her varied skill set. 

She’s a sweetheart on and off the track until you cross her, then all bets are off.” – Hell Marys Head 

Coach Punk Rock Phil 

Q&A WITH MUFFIN TUMBLE 

Q: What goes through your head during a jam? 

A: During a jam, there are many things to consider. Sometimes there is no time to think; you just 

react. You need to keep your head in the game even though there is so much going on. You must 

know where both jammers are, and you have to be ready to play both offense and defense. You 

need to trust your teammates and work with your teammates. You need to be quick on your feet 

and you need to play smart. 

Q: What’s the best thing about being part of the Texas Rollergirls organization? 

A: The best thing about being a part of the Texas Rollergirls is getting to play a sport that I love, and 

representing the league that started the phenomenon of modern flat track roller derby. I am addicted to 

roller derby and all that it entails. It is more than a hobby; it is my passion, my addiction and my 

therapy. It is a way of life. 


A: I am currently the oldest rostered skater with the Texas Rollergirls. I am not proud of that fact, but 

my ultimate derby goal is to show that this old gal has still got it and to keep improving. This is my 

10th season as a Texas Rollergirl, and not the last! 



(c) 2009 Felicia Graham (c) 2008 Felicia Graham (c) 2008 Axle Adams 



DESI CRATION #222 

REAL NAME: Tavanna Porter 


TEAM AFFILIATION: Honky Tonk Heartbreakers, Texecutioners (2008-2009) 

POSITIONS: Blocker, Pivot, Jammer (Triple Threat) 

INTERESTING STATS: One of the hardest-hitting blockers in the history of the sport, Desi Cration 

once broke an opposing skater’s collarbone with a single hit. At the 2011 Texas Rollergirls Whammy 

Awards ceremony, Desi Cration was honored with the distinction of “Ms. Texas Rollergirl.” 

DESI CRATION’S STORY 

A visit to a Minnesota Rollergirls bout in 2005 was all it took to hook this world-renowned blocking 

beauty on roller derby. Having previously played rugby and ice hockey — the perfect precursor sports 

to roller derby — Desi Cration was the ideal candidate for strapping on a pair of roller skates and 

knocking other girls around. She skated with the Minnesota Rollergirls for two years, captaining the 

all-star team, before moving to Austin to join the Texas Rollergirls in late 2007. Desi Cration has long 

had a scary reputation as a domineering blocker, but recently took some time off from derby so she 

and her husband, Texas Rollergirls announcer Koolaid, could have their son, nicknamed KoolCration 

Creation. The 2012 season marks Desi Cration’s return to the Texas Rollergirls, one of the most 

anticipated second comings in derby history. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT DESI CRATION 

“Desi Cration is one of the most feared, hardest-hitting, intense blockers in the country. I have seen 

her take out all the opposing blockers in one devastating move. It is great to have her back on the 

track. She is a wonderful teammate, has a wealth of derby knowledge and a work ethic like no 

other.” – Honky Tonk Heartbreaker and Texecutioner Coach Kelli 

Q&A WITH DESI CRATION 

Q: What do you do when you’re not playing roller derby? 

A: My day job is as an alcohol researcher and lab manager in a neuropharmacology lab at the 

University of Texas Austin. We research the effect of alcohol on behavior and neurological processes. 

The rest of my waking (and non-waking) hours are spent raising my 9-month-old son. In terms of 

workouts, I try to run three to four times a week. In fact, I just completed my first half-marathon! I 

also do core and strength training. In my spare time, I, uhh, wait, what is spare time again? 

Q: What keeps bringing you back to roller derby and the Texas Rollergirls organization? 

A: I love the camaraderie. I love the competition. And I love being part of the league that started the 

flat track revolution. 


A: I would like to win a championship. I’ve never been on a home team that’s finished higher than 

third, or a travel team that’s finished higher than second. I feel very strongly 2012 will be the year 

those trends change. 



(c) 2012 Full Tilt Photography (c) 2011 Full Tilt Photography (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla 



RUBY WRING #52 

REAL NAME: Melissa Calhoun 


TEAM AFFILIATION: Honky Tonk Heartbreakers, Texecutioners 

POSITIONS: Blocker, Pivot 

INTERESTING STATS: At the 2011 Texas Rollergirls Whammy Awards, Ruby Wring received a rare 

distinction when she was voted best blocker and best pivot of the season, and was honored with a 

Captain’s Choice Award for the Honky Tonk Heartbreakers. During the 2011 season, Ruby Wring also 

received her first-ever expulsion from an out-of-state bout, and she’s still trying to figure out why. 

RUBY WRING’S STORY 

Ruby Wring and her twin sister, Fender Bender (also a Honky Tonk Heartbreaker), began playing roller 

derby in 2005 with the Alamo City Rollergirls — a venture they took up despite having never roller 

skated. Two years later, the twins made the move to Austin and joined the Texas Rollergirls, where 

Ruby Wring has become an imposing bulldozer of a blocker on her home team, the Honky Tonk 

Heartbreakers, as well as the Texecutioners, the all-star travel team. Known for her after-party 

dancing prowess and her on-track flair, Ruby Wring takes comfort in her pre- and post-bout charm: a 

gold-sequined scarf made by her former Honky Tonk Heartbreakers co-captain, Killbox. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT RUBY WRING 

“Ruby’s a great ambassador of the sport. She never meets a stranger. She’s the ringleader of 

after-party fun, and has united leagues from across the nation in a conga line. But don’t let the smile 

fool you; she will put the booty-blocking lockdown on any opposing blocker.” – Honky Tonk 

Heartbreaker and Texecutioner Coach Kelli 

Q&A WITH RUBY WRING 

Q: Who are your roller derby idols or mentors? 

A: I have way too many derby idols to name them all. No single skater fully encompasses what I 

imagine as my Supreme Shero, but when you put bits and pieces of many skaters together, she 

magically appears. 

Q: Do you and Fender Bender experience any kind of twin clairvoyance while on the track together? 

A: Yes, definitely! We don’t always get along off the track, but when we put on our skates and step 

out there together, something beautiful happens. Being on the same team as FeBe has its bonuses. 

We skated against each other on different teams for several seasons and it was always bittersweet. 

I would silently get all excited because I knew just what footwork to use to cut around her and hip 

check her to the inside, but at the same time, I silently frowned because she also knew just what to 

do to get in my head to slow me down and land a solid booty block to knock me to the ground. 

Combining forces to skate together is so much better. 

Q: What’s the most significant thing you’ve learned during your tenure with the Texas Rollergirls? 

A: I’ve learned that you should only do something if you are enjoying the experience. There’s a lot of 

behind-the-scenes effort that goes into making Texas Rollergirls run (or skate). Sometimes it can be 

overwhelming and frustrating, and emotions run high, but in the end, you have to self-evaluate to 

determine if you enjoy it all and that you have the power to change to make it an even more 

positive experience. 



(c) 2012 Full Tilt Photography (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla (c) 2011 Felicia Graham 



OLYMPIA #36-24-45 

REAL NAME: Olympia Ellison 


TEAM AFFILIATION: Hotrod Honeys 

POSITIONS: Blocker 

INTERESTING STATS: Infamous for her fierce and imposing derriere, which often mesmerizes 

jammers on the track, Olympia received the honor for Best Assets at the 2011 Texas Rollergirls 

Whammy Awards ceremony. 

OLYMPIA’S STORY 

One of the only Texas Rollergirls whose derby name is also her given name, Olympia joined the league 

with no roller derby experience, but with an abundance of athletic ability and a background in track 

and basketball that have served her well on the derby stage. While she readily admits she may not be 

the fastest skater, Olympia’s pack awareness, blocking mastery and solid “foundation,” have earned 

her the coveted nickname “jammer killer,” and few opposing skaters have managed to escape her 

wrath. As the co-captain of the Hotrod Honeys during the 2012 season, Olympia is most looking 

forward to building up the team’s new rookie skaters, as well as kicking ass and taking names with a 

home team out for revenge. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT OLYMPIA 

“Well, for Olympia, you just have the one word: Zeus! I really don’t know what else to say. Besides 

awesome!” – Texas Rollergirls Superfan and Hotrod Honeys Mascot Big Tom 

Q&A WITH OLYMPIA 

Q: Do you fuel your derby practice and bouting with a specific diet? 

A: I have no specific diet. I eat a lot of seafood and courtesy of my Hotrod Honeys teammate Voodoo 

Doll, I drink a lot of coconut juice now. 

Q: Did you know before starting derby that your famous backside would be such an "asset" to your 

game play? 

A: Ha! I had no clue. I’ve been carrying this thang (and yes, it can get heavy) all my life, and I 

sometimes forget it is even there. 


A: Actually, I have a little recipe for my ultimate derby goal: With my body size, I want a little bit of 

this (Olivia Shootin’ John’s speed), a little bit of that (Vicious Van GoGo and Rita Menweep’s 

strength) and a whole lot of this (Killbox’s agility). I then put that all in a pot, mix it up and turn 

myself into an unstoppable Olympia. This is my ultimate goal. 



(c) 2011 Full Tilt Photography (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla 




VOODOO DOLL #29 

REAL NAME: Christina Pocaressi 


TEAM AFFILIATION: Hotrod Honeys 

POSITION: Blocker 

INTERESTING STATS: A skater for the Hotrod Honeys since the dawn of the team, Voodoo Doll has 

been sought out by many a fan, photographer, reporter and paparazzo, and has been featured in a 

number of publications, including the books “Rollergirl: Totally True Tales From the Track,” “Roller 

Derby Art: Women, Wheels, and Wicked Fun,” and “The Blonde Bomber,” as well as “Spin Magazine.” 

VOODOO DOLL’S STORY 

Most people are familiar with the fight-or-flight human response, but as Voodoo Doll says, “I have a 

fight-or-fight response.” Spoken like a true blocker. During her near decade playing roller derby, Voodoo 

Doll has commanded the derby track with grace and fury, her towering frame, six-foot arm span and 

colossal legs commanding the pack time and time again. Her only feature perhaps more celebrated and 

imposing is her menacingly terrific set of rigid abs, which has been given the nickname 

“The Bitutation.” As the co-captain of the Hotrod Honeys during the 2012 season, Voodoo Doll plans 

to build the fittest team in all of roller derby, incorporating powerlifting and core workouts into the 

weekly team routine. And there’s no whining allowed. The team’s motto says it all: This is Sparta! 

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT VOODOO DOLL 

“Voodoo Doll has always been a frightening blocker, tormenting opposing skaters on the track. I’ll 

never forget the much-loved Wall of Voodoo, which is what we called Voodoo and Rebellika when they 

would play pivot and Blocker 1 together. After years in derby, Voodoo Doll is still a terror on the 

track.” – Texas Rollergirls Superfan and Hotrod Honeys Mascot Big Tom 

Q&A WITH VOODOO DOLL 

Q: After so many years playing roller derby, what’s your most memorable derby moment? 

A: My first legal block. When I heard her body hit the floor, it was the same feeling as falling in 

love. I think I saw heart-shaped fireworks. Also, I got to crawl out of a coffin once for an intro. 

That was fantastic. 

Q: How do you maintain those amazing abs? 

A: Do you know why nobody has good abs? Because abs training isn’t fun; it’s awful. That said, I do it 

at least three times a week because I'm a firm believer that derby requires a strong core. I am 

spreading the gospel that abs aren’t just beach muscles. 


A: I'd like to see derby taken seriously as a sport, and in order to do that I think we need to take our 

own fitness more seriously. As for my personal goals, I want to continue to evolve as a player and 

keep this love affair with derby going as long as possible. But even after all these years, I love to 

practice and still get butterflies in my stomach before every bout. 



(c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla 



ACUTE ANGEL #

(c) 2011 Full Tilt Photography (c) 2011 Felicia Graham (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla 



SADIE MAE CARE #8 

REAL NAME: Shelley Manzer 


TEAM AFFILIATION: Hustlers 

POSITION: Blocker 

INTERESTING STATS: Several years ago, Sadie Mae Care helped launch a start-up roller derby league in 

Beaumont called the Spindletop Roller Girls, a league that has grown tremendously, recently became a 

member league of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, added a second home team and formed an 

all-star derby team. 

SADIE MAE CARE’S STORY 

A regular at her local skating rink on Friday nights, Sadie Mae Care grew up loving roller skating. After 

helping a friend in Beaumont get the Spindletop Roller Girls league up and rolling, Sadie Mae Care became 

addicted to derby, and made the move to Austin to learn the sport from the leaders of roller derby’s 

revival, who she credits with getting her heart racing and her blood pumping. And since every skater in 

the roller derby community knows and fears the Texas Rollergirls, Sadie Mae Care now garners even 

more respect among her derby peers. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT SADIE MAE CARE 

“Sadie Mae Care came to us after two years with a small-town league she helped create, looking for a 

new derby challenge. Her rookie status didn’t last long, as she quickly became a force to be reckoned 

with, helping the Hustlers take down the three-time champion Hotrod Honeys in the final game of the 

2011 season. Keep your eye on this skater!” – Original Texas Rollergirl and Hustlers Founder Electra Blu 

Q&A WITH SADIE MAE CARE 

Q: How did you come up with your roller derby name? 

A: I wanted a name that could be shortened easily. I have this awkward fascination with Charles Manson 

and his Family. Sadie Mae Glutz plus Devil May Care (to act recklessly) equals Sadie Mae Care. 

Q: What kind of activities do you take part in, in “real life?” 

A: IRL, I'm a bit of a nerd. I love board games and card games. We play an unhealthy amount of 

Munchkin. I also love to bake and enjoy challenging myself with new recipes and crazy flavors. 


A: To be named MVP of the Texecutioners for my amazing work during our first-place win at 

international champs! More realistically? To jam! These long legs were built for skating fast and hard. 



(c) 2012 Rom Anthonis (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla 



BLOODY MARY #30, #40 

REAL NAME: Juliana Gonzales 


TEAM AFFILIATION: Hotrod Honeys, Texecutioners 

POSITIONS: Jammer, Blocker 

INTERESTING STATS: A pre-Texas Rollergirls derby skater, Bloody Mary was part of the original roller 

derby organization founded in Austin in the early 2000s, and was instrumental in establishing the Texas 

Rollergirls, its charter, rules and business model. Bloody Mary began skating with the original Holy 

Rollers with the skater number 4, and then became a member of the Hell Marys. Once she rose in the 

ranks and became an all star on the Texecutioners, she changed her number to 40 since number 4 is 

retired in honor of Hydra, the team’s first captain. In 2011, she changed her Texecutioners skater 

number to 30 as a nod to teammate Olivia Shootin’ John, whose skater number is 03. 

BLOODY MARY’S STORY 

Quite simply, roller derby and the Texas Rollergirls would not be what they are today without the 

influence of Bloody Mary. From the beginning of the sport’s resurgence in the early 2000s, Bloody Mary 

has been influential in cultivating, evolving and nurturing not only the Texas Rollergirls league, but the 

culture of flat track roller derby, a sport that has grown to include more than 1,000 leagues throughout 

the world. In 2004, Bloody Mary helped establish the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), 

the governing body that promotes and fosters the sport worldwide, and she is currently the executive 

director of the organization. After more than a decade skating roller derby, she remains a diplomatic 

ambassador for the sport, as well as a cut-throat scourge on the track. If there is but one name known 

throughout the world of roller derby, it is Bloody Mary. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT BLOODY MARY 

“Bloody Mary is one of the original Texas Rollergirls who helped form the sport, but she also continues to 

be a driving force and inspiration for all of roller derby worldwide. She is truly the heart and soul of the 

Texas Rollergirls, where her calm control mixed with athletic fire and creative, witty genius have proven 

her all-star status both on and off the track. What she has done for the Texas Rollergirls as a league 

simply pales in comparison to her tireless work for all of roller derby through her WFTDA position. When 

there is a Roller Derby Hall of Fame, there is no doubt that Bloody Mary will be one of the first to receive 

that honor.” – Texas Rollergirls Announcer Chip Queso 

Q&A WITH BLOODY MARY 

Q: After so many years playing roller derby, what’s your favorite position to play? 

A: I play mostly jammer, but I love blocking. I’ve also been the captain of the Hell Marys and the 

Texecutioners, and many other jobs for the Texas Rollergirls and WFTDA, all of which I have thoroughly 

enjoyed. The hardest thing I ever did was help put on the Championship tournament, the Texas Shootout, 

in Austin in 2007. The position I’m proudest of is that I was on the first-ever Rules drafting committee 

for what would become the WFTDA. 

Q: What’s it like doing derby for work and for fun? 

A: Sometimes it’s just like any job. You email, you do meetings, you look at financials, you drink coffee. 

After work, I go to practice and play derby, which is crazy fun just like it is for anyone else. Sometimes 

having a job in derby is radically awesome. After running three days of meetings in Vegas last year, I got 

to scrimmage with my derby heroes (and colleagues) before digging back in to work. Recently, in Berlin, I 

got to work with colleagues there and then play with Euro derby heroes like Master Blaster from the 

Berlin Bombshells and Annie Social from Eindhoven’s Rockcity Rollers. Work, play, work, play. It’s pretty 

cool to have the connection between what your work is and why you do it be so seamless. “By the 

skaters, for the skaters” means something different in that life. 



(c) 2012 Felicia Graham (c) 2011 Bill Smotrilla (c) 2011 Felicia Graham 



VICIOUS VAN GOGO #1853 

REAL NAME: Brooke Clark 


TEAM AFFILIATION: Hotrod Honeys, Texecutioners 

POSITIONS: Jammer, Blocker, Pivot (Triple Threat) 

INTERESTING STATS: After her triumphant return to the Texas Rollergirls league in 2011, Vicious Van 

GoGo astounded her derby opponents with an even more elevated level of play than her previous skating 

mastery displayed. Her derby heroism was honored at the 2011 Texas Rollergirls Whammy Awards 

ceremony, at which Vicious Van GoGo received eight awards (the most of the year for any one skater), 

including league Jammer of the Year, Most Valuable Player for the Texecutioners and the Fans’ Favorite 

Texas Rollergirl. 

VICIOUS VAN GOGO'S STORY 

From the time Vicious Van GoGo joined the Texas Rollergirls, she has taken opposing skaters by surprise, 

leaving blockers flabbergasted and astonished as she jams through them with elegance, dexterity and a 

quick flash of a smile. Despite her jamming genius, Vicious Van GoGo is as admirable as a blocker, often 

catching her opponents off-balance as she ambushes them with a perfectly executed hip-check. Known 

for her alluring midriff and her coy grin, Vicious Van GoGo — a formidable artist in real life — has created 

an entirely new art in the form of her derby play. From her season skating with the Mad Rollin’ Dolls in 

Wisconsin and captaining the league’s Dairlyland Dolls all-star travel team, to her exultant return to the 

Texas Rollergirls during the 2011 season, Vicious Van GoGo continues to be a real work of derby art. 

WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT VICIOUS VAN GOGO 

“At first glance, Vicious Van GoGo could be seen as the girl next door who everyone enjoys that quietly 

goes about her business with a pleasant smile. As much as that is true, there is so much more behind the 

Texas Rollergirl who has become infamous for her athletic flair, bandanna style and signature midriff. A 

true triple threat on the track, she forces opposing teams to adjust. Off the track, her contributions 

greatly help the derby universe. No embellishment here, Vicious Van GoGo is simply skate of the art in 

every sense.” – Texas Rollergirls Announcer Chip Queso 

Q&A WITH VICIOUS VAN GOGO 

Q: What is it about roller derby and the Texas Rollergirls that keeps you so dedicated? 

A: I played sports growing up and love being on the track, field, court, etc. Practice time and game time 

always seemed like the one place I could escape to from the things going on in life for a while. Derby has 

the same feeling of escape but an added element of deep friendships that keep me coming back. Playing 

derby makes me happy. I can't help smiling when I'm skating because I have been and am privileged to 

skate with some of the best teammates against some of the best competitors. 

Q: What are you most looking forward to with the 2012 home season and with the Texecutioners? 

A: I'm looking forward to playing another great season with the Texecutioners, as well as with my home 

team. I think this season is going to be a strong competitive season. Last season with the Texecutioners 

was a dream season for me. I was very fortunate to be in the jammer rotation. I look forward to 

collaborating, training and skating with the Texecutioners. There are some amazing games planned for 

this year, especially this summer! � 


A: I was able to reach one of my rookie goals this season by getting to be a go-to jammer for the 

Texecutioners. And I would be lying if I didn't say a goal is to be victoriously holding the WFTDA 

Championship trophy (the Hydra) after a hard-fought weekend. Ultimately, I would like to have a few 

more years of skating with and against different skaters from different parts of the world. 



THIS IS ROLLER DERBY. 

These are the women who bore flat track roller derby into existence. A 

decade ago a handful of fearless women put on skates and started a 

revolution. They created a sport. A serious sport. With Rules. And mascots. 

And a board of directors. For the skaters by the skaters. Texas Rollergirls 

are full-contact, fast, calculating, and strong. They are addicted. They 

practice in skating rinks, parking lots, outdoor sport courts and kitchen 

floors. The bouts you watch are unscripted, the competition is real, and 

they skate until the final whistle is blown or their wheels come off. Texas 

Rollergirls push through bumps and bruises, mental blocks and ego checks. 

They celebrate battle scars and black eyes, wins and perfectly executed 

sternum hits. They get low and leave it all on the track. Texas Rollergirls are 

godmothers to over 1,000 leagues and 20,000 skaters worldwide. This is 

more than a sport; it’s a culture, a community, a movement. A movement 

that involves more blood, sweat, tears, leather and spandex than any of 

those ladies back in 2003 could have ever imagined. 

TEXAS IS THE REASON.

PRESS KIT - Texas Rollergirls

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