“I’m very proud of our team this year because this was our first competitive season. The team came in third at regional finals this summer,” says Calliope Cooper, Savannah Junior Roller Derby team captain. Credit: Kristy Edenfield
“Some teachers seem a little suspicious when I’m covered in bruises. I’m like ‘trust me guys, I’m fine,” says Calliope Cooper, a rising senior at Savannah Arts Academy.
Calliope Cooper, rising senior at Savannah Arts Academy, is also known as Radiobled. Credit: Kristy Edenfield
Cooper, age 17, also known as Radiobled, has been playing with the Savannah Junior Roller Derby team since she was eight years old.
“The first thing you learn how to do in roller derby is to fall, because you need to learn how to fall correctly and safely. I’ve never had any big injuries, I’ve had busted lips and bloody noses, whatever, but nothing crazy,” explains Cooper. Cooper didn’t know how to skate before coming out for the team, but says that some older girls taught her, “it’s such a unique sport, I really fell in love with it, and it is super kind of scary at times.” Roller derby is back in fashion and better than ever, teaching young people about teamwork, communication, resilience, and a fun source of exercise. Research has shown that young people who participate in roller derby have improved self-confidence and self-efficacy. “Anyone who wants to do it should do it. Our open enrollment is in August, so anyone who wants to, even if you can’t really skate that well, should come out,” says Cooper, “… when I first started, I had never worn roller skates before … We learn how to play it in a safe way, there are tons of rules, and on the track during a game there are at least 10 referees. So even though it is super hard, it’s monitored really well so we are safe.”
Jansoon (Jason Head) and Pixie (Cyndi Arroyave) coach the Savannah Junior Roller Derby team. Credit: Kristy Edenfield
Savannah Junior Roller Derby is an open division team, meaning all youth (male/female/non-binary) ages 10-17 are able to join. Skater Boot Camp will run August 6, 13, 20, and tryouts will be August 27 at Star Castle at 550 Mall Blvd. in Savannah. Cooper believes that the skills that she has mastered on the rink will transition to adult life, “It has taught me a lot about communication and teamwork, those are foundational skills that I can use in the real world, and I learned them here, playing roller derby.” “It’s really taught me a big thing about resilience because when you’re out there on the track you’re literally getting beat up for two minutes and you have to keep going and keep fighting,” says Cooper. Cooper continues, “I was a really quiet and shy kid when I first started, I never used to talk on the track and all of my coaches would always tell me, ‘You need to talk more, you need to be talking with your players about what is happening.’ The better bond you have with your teammates the easier it is to play the game since you guys know each other’s skill.” “I feel like it’s taught me a lot about thinking on my feet and being super adaptive because you never really know what’s gonna happen in a game with people going out there. You have plan A, but also plans B, C, D, E, F, G because all of these different scenarios can happen, and since it is such a fast-paced sport, everything is happening within two minutes, or even 30 seconds. It has really taught me how to be adaptive and react to situations quickly and smartly,” tells Cooper.
The Savannah Junior Roller Derby team practices at Star Castle on Mall Boulevard. Credit: Kristy Edenfield
“It’s also helped me focus a lot because when you’re out there, people on the sidelines are screaming at you the entire time. I’ve gotten really good at tuning that out and just focusing, which has definitely helped me in school.” “I’m very proud of our team this year …,” says Cooper. “We’ve always kind of been the underdogs, we’ve really been fighting our way. We came out third this year so we got our medals, which is really amazing …” Joel Rosado, known in the rink as “Monster,” is going to start 10th grade this year at New Hampstead High School.
Joel Rosado, known in the rink as “Monster,” is going to start 10th grade this year at New Hampstead High School. Credit: Kristy Edenfield
He has been skating since he was six, but only began roller derby this year, “My mom told me about it … and I’ve never really done any other sports because I didn’t enjoy them,” says Rosado. “I decided to try it, and then I found out that I am actually really good at it,” shares Rosado. “I feel that I really didn’t belong before I joined here, I didn’t have a specific place. When I came here, everybody was asking about me, and texting me if I wasn’t at practice. Everyone makes me feel like I belong here. We’re all one big family.” “Knowing that you are needed on the team, and that you are somebody is important,” explains Rosado. “At school there are sports that are there, but none of those were a good fit for me. I’m definitely more happy playing roller derby, I can definitely tell the difference.” “It has calmed my nerves down more because normally I would pop off and get mad, I would get loud and I couldn’t help it,” explains Rosado. “This kind of calms me down … I notice that I go up to my teachers more, and I’ll even email them a whole email about something, which I’ve never wanted to do before. Even going up to a teacher about a missing grade or something, I used to not speak up about it.” Monster credits roller derby in helping him to develop communication and conflict resolution skills and encourages others to come out for the team, “You don’t have to know how to skate or play. It’s a very fun sport. It has helped me physically and emotionally, I’m in better shape.” Savannah Junior Roller Derby boot camp and tryouts are in August. There is no minimum skill level to try out, and skaters only need to bring a water bottle and mouthguard to participate. For more information, please email savannahjuniorderby@gmail.com.
