After a brief hiatus (OK, maybe that’s an understatement), “From the Pivot Line” has been revived. It’s been a whirlwind both on and off the track over the last few months, but I’m still here and things are looking pretty amazing from this view.
Just like anything else in life —friendships, love, career paths, etc. — derby teams evolve. They grow. That’s exactly what’s happened in the off-season for the Diamond State Roller Girls and our rival league to the west, Three Rivers Roller Derby, based out of Elkton, Md.
Both leagues, filled with amazing talent, wished many of their fellow skaters well early on this year as some made the decision to expand their derby knowledge and try out for a few of the East Coast’s top-ranked roller derby teams like the Philly Roller Girls and Charm City Roller Girls. Most of them even made the cut, have since been drafted on rosters and are now playing with some of the best derby stars in the country. While it’s always sad to lose players, it’s incredible to see friends succeed and take their passion to the next level.
So that meant changes ahead for our local leagues. The result: A merge between Three Rivers and Diamond State. Of course many of us questioned how this fusion would work out both on and off the track. Would we get along? Would our skill levels pair nicely or not at all? Was it the right move to make?
The merge officially took place March 12, and since then it has become clear that move was indeed the right one to make. The players on each team have been extremely supportive of one another, organization is at its best, the coaching phenomenal and our skills are improving by leaps and bounds every practice.
Fans of both leagues will judge for themselves on May 19, as DSRG (while the two leagues have merged, DSRG will remain the league name) opens its 2012 season, taking on the Mason-Dixon Roller Vixens at the Christiana Skating Center. MDRV is a solid team with some unbelievable moves, so this bout promises to be nail-biter. I’ve been growing mine out just for the occasion.
More posts to come on DSRG’s season opener, Major May-Hem, as the event nears.
Enterprise Reporter Jennifer Hayes laces up her skates as a member of the Diamond State Roller Girls, Wilmington’s all-female flat track roller derby league. Through the sweat, tears and shiny bruises, follow her journey here.
