LEXINGTON, Ky. — It’s been a rock-solid year for the Roller Derby of Central Kentucky (ROCK), who are preparing for their final game of the season.
For the last 11 years, Jodi Brewer spends several days a week becoming Pinkie Brewser. It’s the ROCK president’s alias while on the track.
“So I found a flier on the ground all those years ago on the UK [University of Kentucky] campus. And was not able to join at that time. And I had a kid and then I came back and I needed something for just me and I just walked into a practice one day,” Brewer explained.
ROCK is an all-women’s league and inclusive for non-binary individuals that is regulated by the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association. The program took off in 2007, but Brewer and other team members say the COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest setbacks they’ve faced. At the time, the team lost several members, along with their practice and game venues.
“We had really strict guidelines of when we were allowed to come back to the sport. So it was about two years where there was no roller derby and so now everyone’s so excited to be back.”
Veteran skaters like Nicole “Fifty Shades of Cray” Begg have found a special place on the team. Off the track, she’s a psychiatrist. She says she embraces the colorfulness, individuality and many lifestyles they share as a group.
“My favorite part is actually my number. My number is 5150, which is a psychology reference,” she said. 5150 is the California legal code pertaining to the “involuntary treatment of mentally disordered people.”
The group actively recruits at and partners with other community groups and organizations, highlighting their mission at each home match. For their last bout, the team is partnering with the American Federation of Teachers.
Once a beginner herself, Begg says the team offers a “homeroom,” of the basics for those new to the skates. “It took me a little longer to level my skills up to where I was able to play because first you have to kind of get your foundation skills and then they deem you safe before practice and then scrimmage and then roster.” Begg said.
She said no matter what, it’s a hobby she’ll always cherish.
“They joke around. You know, people retire, they come and go. And I’ve had several teammates who’ve retired and they’ve come back and I always tell them, don’t even think about it. I’m not retiring. I’m going to die with my skates on. God willing.” Begg explained.
Outside of the adrenaline for competitions, they say is the purpose.
ROCK said this season, they’ve had record attendance at each of their home games, with over 400 people at each bout.