Ränni, #233 (She/Her)

“I started playing derby in the fall 2021 when I finally got some more freetime after graduation. I had found derby earlier on social media and it came to my mind when I started to look for a new hobby in the summer. Derby combines in a very interesting way sports, having fun, community and it gives you the nice spice of adrenaline and excitement. At the moment I am interested in playing as a jammer but let’s see what future games bring!

Fun fact: I’ve been told that as animals I remind people of an otter or ermine!”

Jännä, #27 (she/her)

“I’m playing as blocker, outside butt is my preference! My strength lies definitely in my good mood, I try to cheer others at practice and be there for them mentally and physically on the track!
Best thing about derby is that everyone is welcome, no matter of your size, sport backround, age, gender or what ever, there is always a place for you.

Fun fact: I got recruited from a pub.”

catnip everbean, #1312 (she/her)

“I noticed DRRD’s open skate event during a Turku Pride week, went there and it was so much fun that I signed up for a beginners’ course! 😻
I love the community and I feel like I can be myself in it. Roller derby has taught me a lot about myself, my boundaries and being part of a caring community <3
As a player, I try to be encouraging and supportive and help create a safe environment for everyone. On the track I’m quite calm and stable and can play any position.
Playing roller derby has already given me so many great memories. I really loved my beginners’ course and there’s a special place in my heart for the people that were there.”

Pacifighter, #24 (she/her)
 
“During practices, I have played both as jammer and blocker, but I prefer playing as a jammer. I’m good at skating, I skate quite fast. I’ve now been playing roller derby for about 9 months. I had seen it in some movies/series and last spring, I went to the open skate event. I immediately fell in love. I always leave the practices full of energy, even on days when I feel tired and considered staying home. It’s so much fun and full of action! “

Bitter Pan, #18 (she/her/they)

“I’ve been playing as a jammer since 2019, but I actually started derby in August 2010 after seeing Whip it! One of my best derby memories is when got to play in Iceland. It was a very cool place to play roller derby in! 💙

Fun fact: I’m a micro-mechanic student in The Finnish School of Watchmaking.”

Nemesis, # 92 (she/her)

“I started roller derby in spring 2022. I first learned about roller derby in 2011, but it took me over ten years and moving to a different city to actually get into playing it. I like it because anyone can play roller derby and be good at it regardless of your bodytype or gender. I really enjoyed our first scrimmage with the league. I was so nervous to play derby for real for the first time, but it was really fun! “

No Mercier, # 79 (she/her)

“I’ve been playing roller derby for less than a year, but I’ve got many more ahead of me I’m sure. A friend of mine told me about the league when I expressed missing moshpits (bumping into people is a lot of fun and helps releasing energy). I always struggled getting excited about sports – let alone group sports – until I discovered this. The atmosphere is most welcoming and supportive. I not only found a genuinely enjoyable activity, but also a beautiful community of people.

Fun fact: my cats own land in Scotland and therefore are lords”

Warjo, #101 (She/her)

I am a blocker, I guess. 😅 I started roller derby this April on a beginners’ course, so I havent played that long at all. I got into it because I saw a picture on Instagram, started googling roller derby, watched a bunch of games on Youtube and very soon I e-mailed our league to ask when can I join. 😄 It’s the most fun I’ve had doing any kind of sports. I don’t think there have been any practices when I haven’t laughed! Roller derby is very challenging and fast paced, but it’s the best feeling when you succeed in something. People are SO nice! And I feel 😎cool😎 when I tell people about roller derby (not so much on the track hehe).

Fun fact: Last spring my pupils awarded me with the title ‘Most Fashionable’. 🤠

Anna Phylactic Shock, #2 (any pronoun)

” I’ve mostly played as a blocker and occasionally as a pivot. I started the beginner’s course in 2018, but of course, there was covid, so active playing years are a bit questionable. I began playing because some of my friends were considering starting roller derby, and it being a very queer sport, in combination with the opportunity to slam into people on skates made me think it sounded cool. I went to an open skate in my hometown and one of the skaters there was very encouraging so I decided to stick with it.

Fun fact: I can ride a unicycle”