From a Former Ice Skater to the Captain of Her Roller Derby Team
- Feb 5
- 4 min read
By Kennedy Sullivan
The following interview has been edited and condensed.
The squeaking of wheels racing against a slippery wooden floor races on the track. Loud thuds can be heard on the ground, and shouts from players can be heard across the room. Crowds of people cheering on their fellow teams in the background. Roller derby is a rough and an adrenaline-inducing sport that is played on quad (four-wheeler) roller skates. The sport consists of two teams with jammers and blockers. Four blockers from both teams group up separately on the track while two jammers of the opposing teams have to make it through the group of opposing blockers. Whichever jammer makes it through the group of blockers first, earns points for their team.
Iroha Warren, a 17-year-old student at Nashville School of the Arts is one of the captains for the Nashville Junior Roller Derby team (NJRD). Iroha has been playing roller derby for eight consecutive years but has skated for 12 years. She gives a little bit of insight as to what roller derby is like, her position on the team, and how it has shaped her as a person.
Prior to roller derby, you did ice skating. Was it competitive? Is there anything that you miss about ice skating?
It was very competitive even though I had friends and teammates. Depending on when I competed or who I was competing against, I was always in competition of taking first place or being perfect. It was a lot of pressure. One thing I miss about ice skating is the gracefulness and the skills you obtain from it. All of the spins and jumps is what I miss as well. I still go ice skating once in a while and remember that I can still do certain things.
Why did you join roller derby?
I joined derby after ice-skating for four years because I felt like I did not have a community, or any friends to enjoy something with. It felt isolating. That’s when I discovered roller derby, which has such a fun and welcoming community.
What do you find most enjoyable about roller derby?
I enjoy skating in general, but also all of the amazing people who also play roller derby. It’s such an amazing experience. I’ve met people all over the U.S, some in Boston, Pittsburgh, South Dakota, and Florida. We all share one common thing, which is our love for derby.
What is your role on your team?
My role on the team this season is not only just captain, but a blocker as well. I have been captain of the home team and travel team for two years now. As a blocker, it means that I am making sure that I am with my other teammates and locking down the other jammer so that they do not score points.
What are some of your strengths in roller derby?
My communication. If you meet me in person, I seem very shy and reserved. Once you see me on that track, I yell at everyone and make sure my team is together. I’ve also been a strong wall with my teammates, and I make sure that I am reliable to them.
How do your relationships with your teammates affect your gameplay?
I think having a good relationship with your teammates heavily reflects how you play at derby. We need everyone to work together, so if someone dislikes a certain player, if they are disconnected, then it will affect their gameplay. It just shows that team isn’t cohesive because not only is derby considering how you play as a team, but if you’re a team sport.
What does good sportsmanship look like for you?
I think good sportsmanship reflects a person’s character. You want to make sure you are nice to your teammates. If someone messes up, you need to realize that it was just one instance, and that we’re all still learning. Make sure you are respectful to the opposing team no matter if you win or lose, because you want to treat others how you want to be treated regardless of how old or young you are.
How have you overcome defeat?
Most of the time when defeat happens, of course every player takes it in differently. They’re either upset or disappointed in themselves. I think these feelings are necessary in order to go through that loss. In the end, you need to realize that there are things that the team needs to work on or get better at. I think that would really help a person grow in this sport because you need to experience losses. You also need wins to expand on your growth and knowledge of derby, or any sport.
What are some things that you believe you can improve as the captain of your team?
Making sure my teammates know that I am there for them and going into that role of helping and coaching my teammates. That way, we can all be cohesive. I want to assure them that they are not alone, almost like a motherly figure.
Do you see yourself playing roller derby in the future?
Depending on how college goes, or where I attend college, I hope that I can continue with derby. I’ve been playing for so long. I’ve gathered so much knowledge, and I love the community. Therefore, I hope I will continue to do it. In the future, I’d love to play another sport, like hockey or rugby.
Is there any advice that you would give for those who are interested in roller derby?
Come and watch a game or practice. It’s unique, fun, and different. Even if you do not know how to skate, just attending and watching a game will help you learn. We have people who will teach you. We also know multiple skaters who did not know how to skate. Now, they are phenomenal skaters.
