Tornado Alley Roller Girls

“Turning wimpy little girls into strong women since 2006”

When most people think of Roller Derby, they think of hard hitting ladies that leave their manners at home and don’t take nothin’ from nobody. For the most part that’s true but, there is much more to being a Roller Girl than what the angsty Ellen Page faced in the 2009 movie “Whip It.”

In 2006, seven daring women got together and formed the Tornado Alley Roller Girls, the first roller derby team in Oklahoma City and the state for that matter. Holding their first practices in roller rinks and outdoor parks, the ladies’ first bout was played that year in front of a sold out crowd at the Rockin’ Roller Rink in Edmond.

“Being the first in OKC and the state definitely means a lot to us to have inspired other leagues in the area to start their own teams, and many of them look to us for direction, coaching and structure,” Kitty VonKlobber, OKC Roller Derby Girl said. “We try to remember that when our fans think ‘derby’ they think of us, and we try to give them both the best sporting and entertainment event that we can.”

Since then the Rockin’ Roller Rink has closed and the OKCRD has continued to grow.

“Our slogan, Turning wimpy little girls into strong women since 2006 holds true,” VonKlobber shared. “The motivation to start and play roller derby was just that, to be strong, to be healthy, to inspire others in our community to do the same, and to be a part of one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. The camaraderie of roller derby is like nothing else.”

Those of you (ladies) who think roller derby isn’t for you, might be surprised at the women who make up the team.

“One of the great things about derby is that it doesn’t attract just one single type of person. Anyone can be a roller girl,” VonKlobber told us. “We are students, professionals, teachers, mothers, mechanics, waitresses, business owners, Ph.D. candidates. We serve in the military, work with children, work with our hands. OKCRD is all women, ranging in age from 18 to, ahem, our mid-forties. We have recent high school graduates and grandmothers in our league.”

With such an outpour of support and participation, the OKCRD had no choice but to form a B-team.

“OKCRD was growing exponentially as a league, stated VonKlobber. “Official WFTDA rules state that only 20 women can be on a team at a time, and the roster can only be changed quarterly. Formation of the Lightning Broads and recently, our home teams, allows for most of the women involved with the league the opportunity to play. Also, the Lightning Broads play more regionally, with less travel than our WFTDA team, which appeals too many of the team members on the Lightning Broads.”

However, these lovely Derby Dolls wouldn’t be anything without some very important people.

“Our sponsors are our lifeline, we couldn’t’ do it without them,” VonKlobber admitted. “We have many league sponsors here in town that provide us with discounts on items and financial support for the season. Additionally we have individual bout sponsors which are involved with financial support and production of each bout. They are given booth space at our bouts, promotional opportunities and mentions in the media and on our social media outlets.”

Blessed with the loving support and opportunities for the sport, the OKCRD makes it a priority to give back just as much, if not more than they are given by being involved in charities.

“This season we are partnering with the Officer Down Foundation, The Katie Moody Heart of Lifecare Foundation, and the Downed Bikers Association among others,” VonKlobber said. “A portion of the proceeds from each bout goes to help these charities. Many of them were selected to be a part of our season due to a personal involvement of the women on the league, either as a volunteer or as a recipient of care from the organizations. It is important to us as a league that we give back to the communities that we live in, and make a positive impact on those around us.”

Along with supporting an abundance of charities this year, the ladies were excited to announce their joining to the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, (WFTDA).

“WFTDA is the national governing body of roller derby in the United States,” VonKlobber explained. “They not only provide us with a rule set to follow, but with guidance on league structure, insurance and other business issues. They also have a yearly tournament and rank the teams, so it is always fun to see where your league is in the WFTDA rankings after each bout, and how the teams you will be playing stack up.”

The official definition of Roller Derby is: a contact sport, playing both offense and defense simultaneously; however, the OKC Roller Derby ladies have surpassed that definition proving that although they play hard, they also have compassion for their communities.

For those of you interested in joining the OKCRD but are unsure of your qualifications, Kitty lent us some hopeful reassurance.

“Anyone interested in joining our league can email us at recruit@okcrd.com and get all the information they need,” VonKlobber said. “We start a new recruit class every 12 weeks to teach our future teammates roller derby basics: starts, stops, falls, blocking and strategy. Anyone who has the heart to become a roller girl can do it. It takes strength, mental toughness, dedication, and the willingness to do whatever to takes to make a team. Working out outside of practice, skating as much as you can and reading the rules are a must. Some of our best skaters came into derby not knowing how to skate, so that isn’t a requirement. If you have the drive to do it, it will happen! You can find more information on our website, www.okcrd.com.”

And for those of you wondering if Roller Derby is really like “Whip It,” Kitty VonKlobber cleared that one up too.

“I think that it definitely gave an accurate portrayal as to the way derby becomes an enormous part of your life, and consumes you mind and body. There is a strong sisterhood among the skaters, and not just within your league. Roller girls from other teams may look like they are trying to kill each other on the track, but we can be the best of friends at the after party! Roller derby however is not as theatrical as Whip It was, and there are no clothes lines, tripping or punching involved. Roller Derby is a real sport, with real rules and penalties if they are broken. “

All Photos were provided by the OKCRD, credited to: Jam Flasher, Tanya Locke Photography, James Davis, Bill Smotrilla, Eric Wyles Photography and the OKCRD. WeHeartOKC has no right to these images.