Introduction – CoMo Roller Derby
CoMo Roller Derby? Have you heard of them? Are you curious about the unique sport of roller derby taking Columbia, MO by storm? Below we’ll tell you about this incredible team and its passionate skaters. So strap on your safety gear; it’s time to take a closer look at all that makes this team one-of-a-kind.
What Is The CoMo Roller Derby
CoMo Roller Derby is a flat-track roller derby league based in Columbia, MO. Founded in 2011, they are one of the largest and most established all-female roller derby leagues in the state.
As part of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), CoMo Roller Derby is committed to providing a platform for female athletes to compete in a full-contact team sport. They promote athleticism and self-confidence while encouraging female empowerment through camaraderie and sportsmanship.
CoMo Roller Derby Vision And Mission
Vision
CoMo Roller Derby’s vision is to be a leader in the roller derby community, inspiring athletes of all levels and backgrounds to reach their full potential.
Mission
CoMo Roller Derby strives to create an inclusive environment, where skaters can learn the sport safely and use it as a platform for personal growth. Through competitive athleticism and sisterhood, CoMo Roller Derby seeks to empower women and girls in the Columbia area.
Purpose
This league of Roller Derby is more than just a sport; its mission is to provide an avenue for women to come together and make connections with one another through roller derby. The league focuses on empowering its members to strive for their personal best and become part of a supportive community.
They also emphasize giving back to the local community, working with charities, schools, and other non-profit organizations to promote athletic participation and education.
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History Of The Team: Where It All Started
CoMo Roller Derby was founded in 2011 by a group of passionate skaters who were determined to bring the unique sport of roller derby to Columbia, MO. The team quickly gained momentum and began competing in 2012. In 2013 they became members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), which is a national governing body for all-female roller derby.
Since then, CoMo Roller Derby has grown exponentially and now features two home teams, the Hooligan Heifers and the Riot Girls, that compete against each other in bouts throughout the year. The team also fields a travel team of experienced skaters who compete at a national level against top-tier teams.
Notable Team Members
CoMo Roller Derby’s roster features over 30 skaters of all skill levels who are passionate about the sport. Each player has her specific role on either one of the home teams or the travel team. Skaters must pass a series of skill tests to qualify for competitive leagues and bouts.
1. Riot Girl Meemz
CoMo Roller Derby is home to some of the best skaters in the state. One of their most notable members is Riot Girl Meemz, who has been part of the team since 2013 and won MVP at the 2017 WFTDA D2 Playoffs.
2. Accidental Jackie O
Accidental Jackie O has been part of CoMo Roller Derby since its inception in 2011 and is one of the longest-standing members. She has been a captain of both the Hooligan Heifers and Riot Girls for several years and continues to inspire her teammates with her passion for the sport.
3. Sailor Bulkhead
Sailor Bulkhead is the captain of CoMo Roller Derby’s travel team and has been a member for almost five years. She is highly dedicated to the sport and leads her teammates with enthusiasm, inspiring them to reach their full potential as athletes.
4. Lipschitz
Lipschitz has been part of the CoMo Roller Derby family since 2013 and is a force to be reckoned with. She has competed in various bouts and tournaments, representing the team proudly.
5. Chainsaw Bessie
Chainsaw Bessie is a veteran roller derby player and has been part of the CoMo Roller Derby team for five years. She skates with passion and energy, always pushing her teammates to perform their best.
CoMo Derby Competition And Other Events
Recent Competition And Tournaments
In 2020, CoMo Roller Derby’s two home teams competed against each other in a series of bouts. The Riot Girls ultimately came out on top and won the 2020 Home Team Championship.
The team’s travel team also had an amazing year in 2020, competing at numerous tournaments across the state and country. They have crowned the National Champions at the 2020 WFTDA D2 Playoffs in Atlanta, GA, and have been making waves ever since.
Events & Activities Outside Competition
In addition to their roller derby bouts, CoMo Roller Derby participates in many community events throughout the year. They are passionate about giving back to everyone who supports them and helping to spread awareness of the unique sport of roller derby.
The team also hosts a variety of social events for its members to connect, including movie nights and potluck dinners.
Benefits of Joining Clubs And Teams Like CoMo Roller Derby
1. Health Benefits
Roller derby is a full-body workout and provides numerous health benefits, both physical and mental. It helps to improve balance, coordination, and strength as well as build self-confidence.
2. Social Benefits And Community Involvement
CoMo Roller Derby is a great way to get involved in the local community, promote kindness, and make new friends. The team works together to give back to its supporters, as well as host fun social events for its members. It can also be an avenue to meet people with similar interests and form strong bonds.
3. Improved Confidence And Self-Esteem
Roller derby provides a platform for women to come together and cultivate their physical and mental well-being. Through hard work, dedication, and teambuilding exercises, roller derby skaters gain improved confidence and self-esteem, which they can carry over into other areas of their lives.
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How To Join The Team
If you’re interested in joining CoMo Roller Derby, the league has a few requirements.
- You must be 18 or older, able to pass a background check, and willing to commit to attending all practices and bouts.
- The team also requires that each skater own their equipment (skates, pads, helmet, etc.).
If you meet the requirements, you can join by filling out an application on the team’s website. Once accepted, you will attend a training program to learn all of the basics of roller derby and be evaluated for placement in one of their two home teams or the travel team.
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Conclusion
CoMo Roller Derby is an all-female roller derby league in Columbia, MO that promotes athleticism and female empowerment. Through its mission of creating a safe and inclusive environment, the team encourages its members to reach their full potential as athletes and individuals.
Joining the team can be an avenue to improve physical health, build self-confidence, and make strong connections with other like-minded women.
If you are looking for a way to get involved in your local community and push yourself athletically, CoMo Roller Derby may be the perfect fit for you. So come on out and join the team today!
