#annarborrollerderby

[a2rollerderby]

Just like our skaters, our coaches are learning as they go. The process of finding your voice and your style as a coach is challenging, but it is also incredibly rewarding. A2D2 Ypsilanti Vigilantes coach, Ann Arbor Roller Derby skater, and Star Pass Fitness creator, Slamuel L. Jackson #404, discusses the benefits she has received since becoming a roller derby coach in her fourth installment of "Be a Better Coach".

Check out all the great things she has learned here --> http://starpassfitness.com/be-a-better-coach-pt-4/

Need to catch up on parts 1 through 3? No problem, click the links below!!

Part 1: Embracing the suck and being open to feedback --> http://starpassfitness.com/be-a-better-coach-pt-1/

Part 2: How to stay organized and develop coach-skater communication http://starpassfitness.com/be-a-better-coach-pt-2/

Part 3: How to be the rock for your team http://starpassfitness.com/be-a-better-coach-pt-3/

"If you don’t love the team, don’t coach them. If you don’t care about the well-being and growth of the individuals on the team, do not coach them. If you aren’t showing up with their best interests in mind every practice, do not coach them. If you have a problem with building someone up so they can better themselves and eventually leave the team (if they so choose), put down the whistle and notebook. Your job is to help them succeed in their chosen path." - Slamuel L. Jackson

[boutbetties]

This MVP award is simple but cool enough to make us want our own! 📸: @hot_autobot • • • • • It takes a team 💜 #annarborrollerderby

[ebowers90]

When you are released from the box and the other team tries to goat you.

[alicejanejuly]

Wave 10/11 Friends and Family scrimmage. So much love for this sport and these people. 

Photo credits to andrewpotterphoto.com, Scott Lipiec, and Tom Kusch

[a2rollerderby]

Ann Arbor Roller Derby’s B team - the Arbor Bruising Company - also headed north to compete at Mitten Kitten Mash-Up 2017!

The Bruisers took home first place last year in Division 1 of Mitten Kitten, so they were not expecting to go back this year. However, Mitten Kitten decided to invite the Bruisers back for the inaugural Tournament of Champions! This bracket had five other teams that had previously won D1 in Mitten Kitten. The Bruisers came in seeded third and ended up leaving in first! The Champion of Champions! 

Skate Hard. Party Hard. Bruise. Bruise. Bruise. 

[a2rollerderby]

Ann Arbor Roller Derby’s C team played in Division 1 of Mitten Kitten this past weekend!

At the 2016 Mitten Kitten, the Vigis took home third in the Divison 2. In that moment, the Vigis made a goal to win D2 in 2017. Well, the Vigis practiced hard and ended up bypassing D2 all together and went into D1! 

The Vigis were seeded fourth and ended up coming home third in Division 1!

We are all so immensely proud of this team and their hard work! 

The SMASH starts here! Vigi! Smash! 

[a2rollerderby]

Ann Arbor Roller Derby wishes everyone a fun Fourth of July!!! 

[a2rollerderby]

Let me guess, you happened to come to the first two home bouts and are starting to get the roller derby itch?

No, not that itch - that may require a doctor. I'm talking about that one where you just have to know what it is to play roller derby.

The next fresh meat boot camp for Ann Arbor Roller Derby will be here before you know it. In preparation, we are opening up our league scrimmage night to potential new recruits. Come out next Wednesday (July 5th) and watch some derby, talk to some skaters, and even start buying what you need!!

This is a great opportunity to learn more about the league and this crazy sport.

In the great words of Kristen Wigg in her role as Maggie Mayhem in the movie Whip It, "Well, put some skates on, be your own hero".

[a2rollerderby]

What an amazing night of roller derby?!

First up, the A2D2 Ypsilanti Vigilantes took on East Lansing Roller Derby - Mitten Mavens. The Vigis took the lead early and wouldn't let up.

In the second bout of the night the Ann Arbor Brawlstars took to the track to face Queen City Roller Girls: Lake Effect Furies. This was one heck of a battle and while the Brawlstars didn't win, they left everything on the track.

Thank you so much to East Lansing Roller Derby and Queen City Roller Girls for making the journey to Ann Arbor!!

Sad you missed out on this awesome action? Then make sure to check out our next home bout on July 22.

[a2rollerderby]

The Bruisers were not the only Ann Arbor team to play this past weekend. The A2D2 Ypsilanti Vigilantes took on Flint City Derby Girls in a very anticipated bout! While they didn't bring home the win, they fought very hard and did an incredible job!!

Team photo by Pixie Light Photo.

[a2rollerderby]

The Bruisers were in Indiana this past weekend participating in the B Cup tournament. A big thank you to the Cornfed Derby Dames, Minnesota Roller Girls, and Naptown Roller Derby for the amazing games! The team fought hard and brought home wins against Cornfed (409-63) and Naptown (176-125) and one loss to Minnesota (87-200). Bruisers went in seeded third and left with the third place trophy!

Bummed you missed out on all the Bruiser action? Make sure to head to Buhr Park for our first home game of the season on June 3rd. You can watch the Bruisers and Ann Arbor Brawlstars take on Ohio Roller Derby!

[a2rollerderby]

First Home Bout of the 2017 Season

Ann Arbor Roller Derby hosted our first home bout of the 2017 season this past Saturday!

First up was the Ann Arbor Brawlstars as they took on the charter team of Ohio Roller Derby. A great rematch that resulted in the Brawlstars winning with a score of 193-124.

Next up was the Arbor Bruising Company as they took on Ohio Roller Derby's B team, Gang Green. Last year, Gang Green came out on top with a one-point victory. This time around, the Bruisers took the win with a score of 235-101.

Thank you so much to Ohio Roller Derby for coming out to Buhr Park for an awesome evening of roller derby!!

Missed out on the fun? Well, you are in luck! Our next home bout is a few short weeks away on June 24th and will be another double-header featuring the Ann Arbor Brawlstars and the A2D2 Ypsilanti Vigilantes.

[a2rollerderby]

Our very own Ypsilanti Vigilantes took on the Killamazoo Derby Darlins in a closed scrimmage on Sunday. The last time these two teams met up last season, the Vigis pulled away with a 229 - 209 victory. I would definitely say there has been some progress in the off season.

A big thank you to KDD for making the drive out our way for a Sunday full of roller derby!

[a2rollerderby]

This is happening tomorrow night!! 

Come hang out with some rocking roller derby skaters and listen to some rad music! 

More info can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1773749862952650/

[a2rollerderby]

Roller derby is coming...

Get ready for Ann Arbor Roller Derby's 2017 home schedule!!

Links for purchasing tickets coming soon.

Photo credit: Steve Jurkovic, Matt Ruddick, DeFord Designs, Anvil Adams, and Derby Pics by Phil

[a2rollerderby]

The Ann Arbor Brawlstars kicked off their 2017 season this past Saturday against Mad Rollin’s Dairyland Dolls. It was a hard-fought game that was full of some really amazing roller derby and the Brawlstars were able to pull out the win, 180-154. 

A huge thank you to the Mad Rollin Dolls for an great evening in an awesome venue with some fantastic people!