The Palouse Rolling Hills Derby Dames (RHDD) is an active, year-round organization that has been competing for more than two years.
According to the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) — international governing body for the sport — flat-track roller derby is the fastest-growing sport in America.
When two teams compete against one another, it’s called a bout, said Laura Graden (Grease Kelly), RHDD marketing coordinator.
The Derby Dames of the Palouse have their first home bout at 7 p.m. March 10 at the Washington State University Beasley Coliseum, where they’ll take on Apple City Roller Derby from Wenatchee, Wash.
Graden said the team is excited to show the Palouse what the RHDD can do.
“We have about 30 active skaters and always welcome any new members regardless of age and skill level,” Graden said. “We have a beginners test called ‘fresh meat,’ which is (a) test based on the skills needed to participate. Once the test is passed then they can play in a bout and test out their skills.”
Graden said the team has bi-weekly practices, which run about two hours each. She said the RHDD have traveled as far as Missoula to compete against other leagues and are trying to branch out more to play different teams.
Alice Graden, Laura’s sister, said she joined RHDD after she attended practice and became hooked.
“Overall, it’s just a really good balance of people,” Alice Graden said. “All of them are really nice and supportive all around.”
Alice Graden said all the hard work and practice pays off when a skill is finally mastered.
“My favorite part is when I have been practicing a skill and then master it,” she said. “I like how it keeps me in shape, and it is actually a legitimate sport now.”
Alice Graden said the Derby Dames have been practicing and planning for their home bout for a while because there is a lot of behind-the-scenes work.
“We have been meeting weekly to make sure that everything is in order for our first home bout,” Team Captain Annalyse Barnes said. “We partnered up with our own teammates and are figuring out what works best.”
Barnes said she has been involved with roller derby since about 2007 and has been with the RHDD since the team started.
Roller derby is known for the outlandish names women sport on the back of their team uniforms.
“Sometimes you pick your name, and sometimes it gets picked for you,” Graden said. “Internationally, there is an entire roster that your name gets registered for, so no two names are alike.”
Lauren Graden said being part of RHDD is a good support group with women of all ages and skill levels and is like a big community.
“I just love everything about roller derby. My favorite is watching new skaters come and as they learn new skills and get better, it changes their whole life,” Lauren Graden said. “They start becoming more outgoing and brave enough to try things in life that they wouldn’t have before they tried roller derby.”