Photo courtesy of Clark Scott.
In fall 2010, Vestavia resident Halley Power was returning home from a trip to Ireland when “Whip It,” a movie about roller derby, came on during the plane ride.
Power was instantly fascinated.
“I can be impulsive sometimes, and I figured it was time for a new hobby,” Power said. “I did an Internet search when I got home and found that Birmingham had a league. I emailed the recruiter, showed up at practice, and I was instantly hooked.”
Birmingham’s roller derby league, the Tragic City Rollers, is one of 400 all-women derby leagues worldwide. Roller derby is a contact sport played around a skating track. Founded in December 2005, the Tragic City Rollers pride themselves on character building, community service and social activism.
Power said being on the derby team has had a multitude of benefits for her.
“Playing roller derby has been one of the most impactful things I’ve ever done,” Power said. “ It’s built my confidence, given me a positive outlet for stress relief, provided great exercise and offered friendships that will last a lifetime.”
The team consists of 28 members, each with a derby nickname. Power’s derby name is “Halley Lose Ya.” Members are mothers, teachers, policewomen, career technocrats, librarians, baristas, nurses, engineers, students and everything in between. The team helps promote local charities such as Rape Response, Race for the Cure and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. Local businesses are invited to sponsor the team.
Power said that when she tells people she is on a roller derby team she often gets a baffled reaction.
“Many people are surprised when they find out I play roller derby because I don’t fit the stereotype they have in their minds,” Power said. “The truth of the matter is that there isn’t just one type of person who fits in on the team. We have girls that represent so many different walks of life. I love learning from them and developing friendships with such a diverse group of people.”
The group practices at Funtime Skate Center in Fultondale. Starting this month, and continuing through August, the Tragic City Rollers will travel across the Southeast to compete in games and tournaments.
Outside of roller derby, Power works at AccelAbility Physical Therapy in Pelham and plays in the worship band at Trinity United Methodist in Homewood. She is an Auburn graduate with a degree in human development and family studies.
“After graduation, I served as a missionary overseas for a year,” Power said. “I moved to Birmingham in 2010 and absolutely love it.”
She said she is thankful for her newfound hobby and a new circle of friends.
“Our team has had lots of ups and downs over the past four years since I started skating,” Power said. “We’ve had winning seasons as well as losing seasons. We’ve had to deal with injuries, transitions and financial difficulties. However, we continue to press on toward the same goal. My life wouldn’t be the same without derby.”
The team is continually looking for more skaters, referees and volunteers. For more information, visit tragiccityrollers.com.
