On February 28th, FoCo Roller Derby opened the 2026 season with an exciting double header featuring a FoCo home teams match-up (Growlers vs Ale Marys) followed by a mixup game against Boulder County Roller Derby. The hits were big, and the crowd was even bigger! With a total of 320 tickets sold, this game was the most well-attended FoCo Roller Derby home game in over a decade.
The game was also the debut of seven new FoCo Roller Derby skaters who were skating in their first ever roller derby game. We asked some of these new skaters to reflect on their first game-day experience and the work they put in to get there.
Here’s what new skaters had to say:
Mad Cow:
“It took me over a year and a half to be eligible for my first game due to failing my first fresh hops assessment and taking a medical leave. Needless to say, it was a lot of work getting here but I was so happy to finally skate and touched to have the support of my family and my partner’s family as well as my team that night.”
Tenacious G:
“It had been a very long journey to get to my first game. I’ve been part of the league for many years, but due to personal circumstances, it took time for me to reach this point. Throughout that journey, the league did an incredible job preparing me, teaching the skills, building confidence, and making sure I was ready when the time finally came.
Before the game, I was really nervous. I kept thinking about all the “what ifs.” But once I arrived and joined the group warm-up, everything started to shift. Talking and laughing with my teammates helped calm my nerves, and I was reminded how supportive and kind everyone is. During the game, I just let myself be in the moment. Afterward, I felt pure happiness. I was proud of our team, I had an amazing time, and I accomplished something I once wasn’t sure I could do.
One of the biggest highlights [of the game] was seeing my kids there, cheering me on. That was such a special and unforgettable moment for me. Anything else that stood out to you about the experience? This was truly one of the highlights of my year. I got to play a sport I love, surrounded by an amazing and eclectic group of people, while also making myself and my kids proud.”
Dutch Baby:
“I started FoCo’s Fresh Hops program in the fall of 2024, terrified of roller skating and hopelessly unathletic. I didn’t know how to tell my feet to do what my brain wanted, was incredibly anxious when I went faster than 3mph, and felt like I was waaaaay behind everyone else in the program. But (quite literally) through the power of friendship, guidance from our coaches, packing on some muscle at the gym, and some extra lessons on the side… I graduated from the Hops program! Did I have to repeat parts of the program? Yes. Did I feel like I was going to poop my pants every step of the way? Yes. Have I come way farther than I possibly thought I could? Yes!
Before the game, I was actually in great spirits! I decided that my primary goal was to have fun. If I eat shit, I eat shit. People love to see that anyway—and who am I to deny the audience a good time? And surprisingly that turned into me feeling way more confident and performing better than I thought I would. I even got the MVP blocker award for my team (which I still don’t fully understand—but thanks, everybody!).”
Bambiguous:
“I hadn’t participated in sports since I was injured on the field during the biggest track and field meet of my career while in the 7th grade. Since then my life has been punctuated by repeated injury, chronic pain, and the loss of my ability to move through the world with ease or comfort.
Movement and play were the most joyous elements of my childhood. I assumed that being unable to walk easily and having hands that fail without warning meant I had left those experiences behind. I learned how to care for my body, and worked for years to create an environment of stability where I could heal.
When that safe environment I’d built to shelter myself cracked apart I was alone, I was scared, however I’d also found that I was almost as capable and strong as I’d been at 13. I decided to pick up my favorite childhood activity again, 18 years later, and went to the roller rink. I went every week like it was church. This one little thing, just for me. Movement. Dance. Relearning my limits, and then relearning them again.
Six months later, my friend heard I’d been skating and invited me to check out a roller derby scrimmage to see if I’d be interested. I was struck by the athleticism, the camaraderie, and the joy of everyone involved. I knew immediately that I wanted to learn to skate with them, however much work it would take, regardless of the risks.
Nine months later, 19 years later I’m sitting in my own stinky gear, with a new name, on a bench of new friends and teammates. My dream of being a star, of training for and doing something well, had been buried so deeply for so long I’d forgotten it was there at all.
And then there was the whistle, the uncertainty, and the doubt. But that feeling of tearing through a wall of bodies, streaking around the corner to a cheering crowd of strangers and loved ones was incredible. A dream I’d never believed could come true”
New skaters are the future of the league, and we were excited to see so many new faces on the track for the season opener. For these new skaters, and so many others, roller derby provides a unique opportunity to build community, athleticism, and self-empowerment through sport. If you or someone you know might be interested in learning to play roller derby or getting involved with the league off-skates, check out our Fresh Hops program and volunteer opportunities! And don’t miss your chance to see these new skaters (and the rest of your FoCo favorites) in action at our next game on April 12th!