June 2018 - The Sports Connection: Duke City Roller Derby

It’s brass, bold and in your face. If you haven’t experienced roller derby in New Mexico, you are missing out. One organization determined to educate the state on the coolest sport known to man is Duke City Roller Derby. We had the opportunity to sit down with players Kells Inferno and Kap’n Krush to talk about how the organization began and why roller derby is the place to be.

What is it about roller derby that excites you?

The fast-paced action, the strategy, the challenge of playing offense and defense at the same time, the hits, and traveling to play other leagues. I also love feeling strong and powerful, equipped to take on anything the world may throw at me.

How was Duke City Roller Derby created?

In 2005, at the beginning of the flat track derby revolution, a group of like-minded individuals came together with a passion for roller derby to form Duke City Roller Derby (DCRD). We are proud to be one of the original 30 founding leagues of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) and the first league in New Mexico. In 2006, DCRD also competed in the very first WFTDA championship tournament.

What advice would you give someone who is interested in taking part in the group?

Step out of your comfort zone and just do it. It’s hard work, physically and mentally, but so worth it. You only get one life and need to make the most of it. I have been a derby player for 11 seasons now and when I began I never dreamed it would be such a huge part of my life. Playing derby is some of the most fun I have ever had!

What upcoming bouts do you have?

We have our Pride game on June 2nd at Expo NM. After that, we have games on August 11th and October 20th. Between the June and August games, the Munecas Muertas (our internationally ranked travel team) will be competing in Cleveland, OH, and Athens, GA.

What is the one thing that people would be surprised to learn about roller derby?

That we are a diverse and accepting group of athletes. Not everyone in the league came to us with sports experience, but some do. We are all different sizes, shapes, backgrounds, income levels. We may seem really scary and tough on the track, but these are some of the kindest, most loving people I’ve had the pleasure to know.