YOU CAN ROLL WITH US. It’s no question the Chippewa Valley Roller Derby has brought values of safety and inclusivity to the flat track since its inception in 2009. Sometimes, it just takes an amateur – like “Lil Scootie” (pictured left) – to reveal what’s been there all along.

What would my derby name be? This was one of the many questions – and one I considered to be of high importance – in my mind before my first roller derby practice this spring.

Members of our region’s first league, the Chippewa Valley Roller Derby, shared that a commitment to joining the derby “family” is often signaled by the choice of your derby alter ego.

As I put on my shoulder and knee pads and laced up my skates, I, “Lil Scootie” (yes, that’s the name I chose!), found that a chosen name is one thing, but what’s more is how quickly I was humbled when I got on the track.

The full-contact nature of roller derby swiftly revealed the shortcomings of my formative skating lessons from childhood, as I found myself repeatedly falling to the ground – even crashing into tables (you’ll have to watch the V1 video to see that).

And yet, my struggles were met with empathy, from my trainers ScuttleButt JibberJabber, TNTina and many others. They approached my difficulties – and my victories – on the track with equal dedication and passion.

It’s no question the Chippewa Valley Roller Derby has brought this same level of safety and inclusivity to the flat track since its inception in 2009. Sometimes, it just takes an amateur – like Lil Scootie – to reveal what’s been there all along.

17 years later, we’re here to remind our community – starting on page 24 in print (or click here, online) – of the true essence of a derby player and, more importantly, those who face challenges head on and celebrate the wins, both big and small.

Evelyn Nelson, associate editor (left), pictured at her first roller derby practice at High Roller Skating Center of Eau Claire (3120 Melby St, Eau Claire).

Learn more about the Chippewa Valley Roller Derby in “You Can Roll With Us,” Volume One’s latest mini feature, online and in print. View the story’s companion video – online via YouTube – and see if “Lil Scootie” has what it takes to join the team.