Today we’d like to introduce you to Dolores Fuertes.
Hi Dolores, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
The Texas Rollergirls are the originators of Flat Track Roller Derby as we know it today in Austin, Texas. Founded in early 2003 and Texas Rollergirls started the modern roller derby movement, the Texas Rollergirls were the first flat-track league in the nation to play a version of roller derby using new standardized rules and a track design based on the dimensions of the old banked tracks.
As flat track derby caught on in other American cities, the Texas Rollergirls’ rulebook and track design eventually evolved into the specifications that were adopted and ratified when the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) in 2005, of which Texas is a founding member. The Texas Rollergirls originally defined the track and rules used by the WFTDA, and the Hydra Trophy, awarded annually to the winner of the WFTDA Championships, is named after founding member (and the first WFTDA president) Jennifer “Hydra” Wilson, Texas Rollergirls founder and skater.
In 2023 we are excited to announce we are celebrating 20 years of blood, sweat, tears, and roller derby! Texas Rollergirls has four home teams that play on an annual season schedule locally in Austin, TX and sometimes compete with member teams from other WFTDA leagues around the world. The Texas Rollergirls all-star travel team, the Texecutioners and B-team, the Chainsaws, represents the league in WFTDA competitions and tournaments with other leagues. The Texas Rollergirls were the first winners of the WFTDA Championships in 2006 and have competed in the WFTDA’s playoffs and championship since 2006. Texas Rollergirls are currently ranked 7th in the world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being part of a do-it-yourself sport like roller derby comes with its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest challenges that the league faces is finding suitable spaces to host games. With limited resources and budget, it can be difficult to secure venues that are large enough for a derby track, fans and that is affordable. Another challenge that the league faces is the lack of funding to pay for expenses such as equipment and uniforms. This means that players often have to come out of pocket to cover these costs, which can be a barrier for some. As a tax-deductible 501(c)3 non profit organization, we do various of fundraisers throughout the year to offset costs and help players, but it doesn’t cover all expenses.
Texas Rollergirls has also been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with games and practices being put on hold for two years. We started practices and games in 2022 but like many businesses we took a huge financial hit through the shut down. Texas Rollergirls is now revamping for 2023 season and working hard to overcome these challenges to keep the sport alive and bring the excitement of roller derby back to the community.
As you know, we’re big fans of Texas Rollergirls. For our readers who might need to become more familiar, what can you tell them about the brand?
Texas Rollergirls specialize in providing thrilling, action-packed roller derby games that are fun for the whole family. Our four home teams, Hell Marys, Honkey-Tonk Heartbreakers, Hotrod Honeys, and Hustlers, play on an annual season schedule locally in Austin, TX. The Texas Rollergirls all-star travel team, the Texecutioners, and B-team, the Chainsaws, represent the league in WFTDA competitions and tournaments with other leagues. Watch us play!
We have world-class roller derby athletes! What sets us apart from others is our rich history and contribution to the sport of roller derby. We were the first winners of the WFTDA Championships in 2006 and have competed in the WFTDA’s playoffs and championship since 2006. We are currently ranked 7th in the world.
We are most proud of the strong community we have built around the sport of roller derby. We are not just a league, we are a family, and we are dedicated to promoting athleticism, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We invite you to come out and experience the excitement of roller derby for yourself, whether as a spectator or as a player.
Our 2023 season kicks off at 6 pm on April 15, 2023, @ Austin Sports Center -Join us in celebrating 20 years of Texas Rollergirls! We’re excited to host our season opener and first home team game since 2020. The Hotrod Honeys will take on the Hustlers in a high-energy, action-packed match. This family-friendly event will also feature music, vendors, concessions, and fun activities. Take advantage of this milestone celebration, and support your local roller derby team!
https://www.texasrollergirls.org/events/tickets/
- Game 2: May 6, 2023, 5:30 pm: Honky Tonk Heartbreakers vs. Hell Marys – Single Header
- Game 3: June 3, 2023, 4:00 pm: Hustlers vs. Hell Marys, Honky Tonk Heartbreakers vs. Hotrod Honeys – Double Header
- Game 4: June 24, 2023, 4:00 pm: Honky Tonk Heartbreakers vs. Hustlers, Hell Marys vs. Hotrod Honeys – Double Header
- CHAMPIONSHIP: July 29, 2023, 4:00 pm: Home Team Championships – Double Header
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
The success of the Texas Rollergirls was only possible with the support and contributions of many individuals and groups. Some of the key figures in the league’s history are Hydra, Annie Social, Bettie Rage, Electra Blu, Strawberry, and Wrench, the founding members of the Texas Rollergirls. They played a critical role in developing the rulebook and track design that became the standards for the sport and helped establish the league as a leader in the global roller derby community. The league also owes gratitude to its dedicated coaches, trainers, officials, and all volunteers who have helped players develop their skills and improve their performance. These individuals have not only helped players to become better athletes but also to become better teammates and leaders. The league has also been fortunate to have the support of dedicated fans and supporters, who have helped to promote the league and create a sense of community around the sport. They come out to games, cheer on the teams, and help to create a fun and exciting atmosphere. Finally, the league is grateful to its sponsors and partners, who have helped to provide the resources and support necessary to keep the league running and to help it grow. With their help, the league can provide the high-quality roller derby experiences that its players and fans have come to expect. The Texas Rollergirls have been fortunate to have many people who have played a big role in its success and the league’s success. They have helped to create a culture of excellence, teamwork, and community that makes the Texas Rollergirls unique and special.
Pricing:
- Tickets for Single Headers: Adult – $15, Kids 6-12 – $5, Kids 0-5 – FREE!
- Tickes for Double Headers: Adult – $22, Kids 6-12 – $5, Kids 0-5 – FREE!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.texasrollergirls.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texasrollergirls/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TexasRollergirls
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/txrollergirls
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/TexasRollergirls?themeRefresh=1
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@texasrollergirls
Image Credits
All photos taken by Brent LaVelle. All designed created by Texas Rollergirls.
