FOR THOSE UNACQUAINTED with the story of West Sound Roller Derby, the revelation that roller derby teams, like countless other enterprises, fell silent due to the covid mandates may not be surprising. With rinks shut down across cities in America and restrictions halting large public gatherings, roller derby clubs nationwide faced unprecedented challenges, and many organizations were forced to suspend operations. West Sound Roller Derby was one such club. One club whose resurgence has been anything but unremarkable.
The story of WSRD traces its roots back to the illustrious legacy of Northwest Derby Co., an offshoot of the Slaughter County Roller Vixens—a team founded locally in 2006. NWDC had been a powerhouse in the roller derby community since 2015 carving their own unique path to success, garnering accolades and building a devoted following in Kitsap County.
The onset of COVID-19 cast a shadow of uncertainty over the team as closures and restrictions threatened to dismantle their dreams. Already dealing with the pressure of uncertainty following the closure and sale of Bremerton’s only indoor skating rink (Skateland in June 2019)—and now struck with the harsh realities of the pandemic—it seemed for many as though their journey had reached an impasse.
“I think that we had a few individuals on the team who were part of the leadership group who had been in derby for like three plus years at that point,” said current West Sound Roller Derby member ‘LadyCypher’ who joined the team in 2017. “For us, letting the team fold just wasn’t an option. I personally felt like I couldn’t let the legacy of the those people that started with this team just wither away, especially when there was still a need and a desire for derby in Kitsap. So we kept it going, and we kept trying to bring it back to life. I really think that without the particular captains, the new skating coordinators, and our leadership team, it could have folded. Honestly it was pure grit, determination, and pure stubbornness… ha-ha!”
Refusing to surrender to despair, the few remaining members of Northwest Derby Co. embarked on a long journey to reinvent themselves despite odds that seemed insurmountable at the time.
As the new chapter unfolds, the team is currently undefeated.
And while they have steadily risen among area teams, WSRD remains true to their origins deeply rooting themselves within the shared joy of sportsmanship and camaraderie instead of rivalry.
“We are all friends essentially,” says veteran team member ‘Whoopsie Daisy’ who joined the team in 2019. “We are friends with other skaters and other leagues so it’s nice to mix it up and be able to play with what would be an opposing teammate. I think in those scenarios, it really showcases what derby is all about. Because we really support each other…
“In terms of being undefeated,” Daisy goes on. “I think, at the level where we are at—because we are not at the high competitive levels—we focus less on the score, or going undefeated. For us, our big take away is did we and the other team have fun? Did we enjoy the experience? And I think that’s where we are trying to build our reputation back. Don’t forget that our team is a really fun team to play, regardless of who wins.”
Beyond the accolades and victories lies a deeper truth—the story of this team is of one united by passion, camaraderie, and an unrelenting commitment to their craft. Embraced by the roller derby community and buoyed by the support of their fans, WSRD continues to rewrite their unique narrative of triumph over adversity. // ASH BLACK
WEST SOUND ROLLER DERBY’S Next match, ‘War Of The Worlds Sci-Fi Bout’ is April 6 with first whistle at 4 p.m., all ages, $15 at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds Pavilion. They will also be hosting an ‘Alice In Derby Land’ casino night fundraiser starting at 4 p.m. April 27 at the Silverdale Boy Scouts Hall. Tickets and more at westsoundrollerderby.com
