The Memphis Roller Derby will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a mini-museum, chuck-a-duck, beer, and of course, skating.
On Saturday, August 29, the league will host a celebratory bout commemorating its milestone at 3 p.m. at the Pipkin Building. Tickets are $15.
As the league prepares for bout day, members reflect on its growth since its founding in 2006.
Chloe Exene Perkins said MRD has always been a “very DIY league” since its inception. “It was started in 2006 by a group of moms who just wanted to do something fun, active, and cool,” Perkins said.”When I joined, it was very athletic, but it was still like fishnets and tutus.”
Perkins decided to give derby a try in 2013 after being recruited by friends “Ginger Ninja” and “Lady Problems.” She admits she was “really bad at it,” and though frustrated, wanted to improve
“I stayed around because I just wanted to keep getting better and better, and see the league, do well and see how far we could go,” Perkins said
As she’s stayed the course, she noted that Memphis has always taken derby seriously. She’s seen the team embrace the competitiveness of the sport and become highly ranked in its region.
With about 50 active skaters currently in the league, MRD is ranked 28 out of 89 in Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) North American South rankings. In 2023 MRD established two home teams, the Ghost River Ghouls and Memphis Minions.
The B-Sides, the league’s B-level travel team, was founded in 2024
Members say MRD’s growth can be attributed to a number of things, both on and off the track. Samara Solomon, believes the league’s acceptance of skaters of all levels defines its uniqueness, and credited MRD’s skate and derby schools as a way to meet and invite skaters.
“Some leagues require you to know some basic skills in order to join their skate school, but we take anyone and everyone,” Solomon said. “Even if you don’t want to do derby, you’ll leave our skate schools learning some new skills, and who knows, we may even convince you to do roller derby anyway.”
Perkins added that one of the marvels of the league has been is that it has created an environment combining competitiveness and community building.
Amelia Gingras said the league’s approach to competition, as well as encouraging team and player development, is special. “The accomplishment of meeting a goal, big or small, is celebrated just as much as a win would be,” Gingras said. “Everyone really uplifts each other and it makes me feel so proud to be a part of this league.”
Gingras added that playing derby has helped her feel strong, both physically and mentally.
“I love the feeling of accomplishment I get, and the validation that I can do hard things,” Gingras said. “More importantly, being a part of MRD has shown me how amazing it can feel to invest in community and have that investment and support reciprocated.”
MRD’s 20th anniversary bout will give the community and league members an opportunity to celebrate the growth of the organization and its legacy. Perkins added that the bout is an opportunity to acknowledge the teams that have come before them as well as the dedication of skaters, volunteers, and officials.
“Throughout its history, MRD has been really lucky to have very dedicated skaters that wanted to see something that flourished beyond their own time with the league,” Perkins said. “That dedication and commitment is invaluable to the way we’ve able to grow.”
