A Recap of evilOlive’s First Year with Mid-State Sisters of Skate
After completing a Learn to Skate Class, evilOlive joined MSSOS in 2022. During her first season, she played in 3 home bouts and as a foster skater in another bout, primarily as a blocker. We had the chance to reminisce with evilOlive before gearing up for her 2nd season.
What made you interested in roller derby?
As an out-of-state transplant, I knew I wanted to find a way to be active outside the gym where I get so bored, but finding adult leagues can be tricky while assimilating to a new community. I only knew about roller derby from movies and other media, but my father would take us roller/ice skating when my siblings and I were younger, so it’s an activity I have a nostalgic connection to. When I heard I could try derby in Central Wisconsin, I jumped at the chance!
Why did you decide to join MSSOS?
I keep coming back to derby, first and foremost, because it is an incredible way to get involved with the community. It is always so great to run into people who have been attending league games for years and are excited we represent Central Wisconsin. Skating is obviously ultra-fun, but the opportunity to engage in community events and interact with so many local businesses/organizations is something really special.
Derby is also incredibly inclusive – it’s a welcome space for people from all different walks of life. As someone who struggled to fit in growing up, I always felt most comfortable with “weirdos” that created a safe space for everyone to be unapologetically themselves. This is certainly the case in roller derby, both on and off the track!
Finally, it’s empowering to practice fitness and strength-building with such a powerful group of people. I feel a great sense of accomplishment after every practice when I know I’ve pushed myself, and the support that I get from the league in growing as both a player and an individual is priceless.
What do you remember most about your first season?
Taking the track each bout – whether during a home game or when traveling to different matches with new teammates and friends to play with other leagues – always leaves me feeling a sense of accomplishment after seeing a team come together. Plus, there’s nothing like those pre-bout jitters that quickly turn into adrenaline when that first whistle blows! Solidifying myself as a reliable team member and continuing to grow my skills as a player is something I’m most proud of when thinking of my first season.
What’s one thing you think anyone interested in derby should know?
If you don’t know where you belong, there is a space for you in derby.
Also, it’s really not as scary as it seems. MSSOS’s team of veteran skaters provide on-skate training, helping all new skaters get rolling toward’s their goals!