“There are not a lot of sports where women are the main athletes,” said Kassandra Andicoechea, marketing committee chair for Sierra Regional Roller Derby. (She also plays blocker, under the moniker Hell Bunny, for the Sierra Battle Born team.) “Our history is rooted as a women’s sport. … We are definitely connected to our LGBTQ communities. So, it definitely brings in a culture of belonging and encourages people of multiple identities to join our league.”
The league features adult teams for seasoned athletes or beginners, and a co-ed team for kids ages 11-17, Andicoechea said, and aims to include people with a variety of body types and ages. She answers inquiries from potential players who think they might be too old by telling them, “We have people on our team who are 55.”
The league’s next event is the Sierra Showdown scrimmage at 3 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, at Futsol Sports Arena, 1580 Hymer Ave., in Sparks. Tickets are $8 in advance; $10 at the door; or $20 for balcony seats. For tickets or information, visit sierraregionalrollerderby.org.
—Kris Vagner