Submitted by Kate Birnbaum, skater for the Jerzey Derby Brigade

Have you ever loved something so much, in that moment there is nothing else you would rather be doing? That is what roller derby does for me and so many others like me. 

I first fell in love with roller derby on a Sunday afternoon. Just getting over the flu I was weak but ready to skate. I thought I was giving it 100% but as I went around the track, my coach, Bruta Lee, was yelling: “What are you doing! You are better then this!” With all my heart I pushed myself harder. I knew from that moment how much roller derby meant to me.

Now that I am part of this amazing team – the Jerzey Derby Brigade -- I have found a great group of friends and confidence in myself that I never knew existed. It’s a love that gives back as much as you put in. 

Here are some true love stories from some of your local roller derby girls:

Doom Hilda, captain of the Corporal Punishers, when did you first fall in love with roller derby?
“I first fell in love with roller derby back in May of 2007. I tried out for a team, made it, and thought ‘this is going to be amazing!’ The following month, I was in my very first bout. I was told to go out there and hit the opposing skaters and to knock them down, because I was good at it. I was nervous. I was brand new, but had over 25 years of skating experience so I had that on my side. I made it through the bout alive AND uninjured and at that moment, I knew that this was a forever love!”

East Hell Getty, captain of the Major Pains, when did you fall in love with roller derby?
“I went to a Morristown bout and immediately was drawn to it. There was no question as to whether or not I was going to do this once I saw my first bout”

Come fall in love with your local roller derby girls the Jerzey Derby Brigade, Saturday, Sept. 8, at 6:30 p.m., at Inline Morristown, 38 Dumont Place, Morristown, NJ. Tickets can be purchased in advance at brownpapertickets.com (search Jerzey Derby Brigade) or from your favorite roller girl!

Visit Jerzeyderby.com for more information, sponsorship opportunities, and a complete bout schedule.