Chattanooga Roller Derby

The latest episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast, hosted by Scott Howell, takes listeners into the exhilarating world of Chattanooga Roller Derby. This skater-led nonprofit organization is much more than a sports league; it’s a thriving community of passionate individuals dedicated to the sport and their local community. The episode features in-depth conversations with key "personalities" from the league, including the following (using their Derby Girl names): KAOS (pronounced Chaos), Sneak "Her" Baby (pronounced Sneaker), Asian Invasion and Maven of Mischief. Each shares their unique journey into roller derby, shedding light on the structure, challenges, and triumphs of this high-energy sport.

KAOS, a devoted derby player, opens the episode by explaining the structure of the Chattanooga Roller Derby. The league consists of around 50 skaters and over 100 volunteers, including officials and announcers. They have three competitive teams and are expanding** with three home leagues so they can begin to have more inter-league games. This growth underscores the importance of local support, as the league relies heavily on community involvement to sustain its activities. From local competitions to extensive travel, Chattanooga Roller Derby exemplifies a well-organized, inclusive community dedicated to promoting the sport.

One of the standout aspects of this episode is the personal story shared by each of the roller girls. KAOS recounts how she reconnected with an old friend through a roller derby bootcamp in 2015, leading to her passionate involvement in the sport. Sneak "Her" Baby (fondly called Baby by her teammates) narrates her transition from North Georgia Roller Derby and how her love for "shoes" influenced the change to her derby name as Sneak "Her". Asian Invasion shared her fascinating journey from Seoul, South Korea to Alabama and then to Chattanooga, highlighting her unwavering commitment to the sport, and last but not least, Maven of Mischief tells about the time, while still in derby boot camp, she knew that she had "lost her heart" to the roller derby when she began to cry because she thought she wasn't going to make the team due to an injury.

Safety and inclusivity are paramount in roller derby, and this episode delves into the evolution of gear (as explained by Asian, who is a long-time veteran of the this sport) and the comprehensive bootcamp process for new members. KAOS and Maven provide valuable insights into the camaraderie and team dynamics that make the Chattanooga Roller Derby special. The bootcamp process ensures that new members are well-prepared, teaching them essential skills such as stopping, falling, and skating techniques. This inclusive approach allows individuals from various age groups and backgrounds to participate, fostering a supportive and dynamic community.

Community engagement is another crucial theme discussed in this episode. The Chattanooga Roller Derby (CRD) actively partners with other local nonprofits (the CRD is also a non profit organization) and sponsoring businesses, emphasizing the importance of supporting local organizations. Each home game partners with a nonprofit, sharing proceeds to give back to the community. Examples include partnerships with Project Return for Tennessee and the Children's Advocacy Center. These collaborations highlight the league’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond the rink.

Listeners are also treated to detailed accounts of the players' professional lives outside of derby. KAOS works as an operations manager for a family-owned solar contracting company, while Asian is a mortgage loan originator and processor and Baby is a local Care Giver at a well known Chattanooga caregiving center. Maven, who is a project coordinator and executive assistant, shares her playful nature and how her derby name reflects her mischievous personality. These personal anecdotes enrich the narrative, showcasing the diverse talents and backgrounds of derby players.

The episode concludes with exciting updates and announcements about upcoming events. The league's next home game on August 17th promises a triple header, featuring juniors, B-Railers, and the CHA-BOOSES teams. Additionally, the start of the bootcamp on August 1st invites new skaters, officials, and volunteers to join the community. The evolution of gear, the introduction of new halftime activities, and the continuous search for nonprofit partnerships underscore the league's dynamic and ever-evolving nature.

Scott Howell wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to support small local businesses and organizations. He emphasizes the collective effort needed to make a positive impact in the community, urging everyone to get involved and experience the excitement of roller derby firsthand. The episode is a testament to the vibrant, supportive, and occasionally mischievous spirit of the Chattanooga Roller Derby community.

In summary, this episode of the Good Neighbor Podcast offers an engaging and comprehensive look into the Chattanooga Roller Derby. Through personal stories, insights into league structure, and discussions on safety, inclusivity, and community engagement, listeners gain a deep appreciation for this unique and dynamic sport. Whether you’re a derby enthusiast or new to the world of roller derby, this episode promises to inspire and entertain, showcasing the remarkable individuals who make Chattanooga Roller Derby a beacon of community spirit and athleticism.

**REVEAL PARTY is being held on 8/10/24 (beginning 7:00 pm at Mike's Hole in the Wall https://mikesholeinthewall.com ) to announce the NEW NAMES of the Inter-League Expansion Teams AND also announcing the NEW ROSTER for those teams. This is a SURPRISE PARTY for each of the Derby Girls since this information has not been previously announced!

https://chattanoogarollerderby.com/

https://www.facebook.com/ChattanoogaRollerDerby/

https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6335593 BUY TICKETS for the Home Game on 8/17/24

Chapter Markers

• 0:01

  Chattanooga Roller Derby Community Support

• 9:01

  Chattanooga Roller Derby Player Interviews

• 19:31

  Huntsville to Chattanooga Derby Journey

• 29:00

  Roller Derby Journey and Team Dynamics

• 33:28

  Chattanooga Roller Derby Requirements and Safety

• 39:48

  Gear Evolution and Derby Opportunities

• 50:07

  Chattanooga Roller Derby Community Events

• 57:43

  Supporting Local Businesses in Communities