Restless and bored, Storekeeper 2nd Class (AW) Casandra Roades, assigned to Fleet and Industrial Supply Center Puget Sound (FISCPS), found herself searching for something more to do after a long day at work.

Tired of her redundant routine she searched online and discovered the “Slaughter County Roller Vixens” a roller derby league based out of Kitsap County. She gathered up her courage and decided to check out what the Roller Derby business was all about.

Roades also known as the Roller Derby persona “Dirty Girl Diva”, began volunteering her time to support the Slaughter County Roller Vixens during the summer of 2008. To this day she still recalls her first time at practice when she was then called “Fresh Meat”.

“I was really nervous at practice and was intimidated by the seasoned skaters,” said Roades. “I was shocked and didn’t realize how challenging this sport would be.”

Roades commits the majority of her spare time participating in daily practices and attending league meetings each week. Roades volunteers as a referee during roller derby games also known as ‘Bouts.’

The Slaughter County Roller Vixens are currently made up of three teams. The Death Rattle Rollers, the Terrormedixxx and the All-Stars team.

“Roller derby has taken over my life in some regards,” she said. “At least twice a week I am at practice for two hours. Despite feeling tired, sore, blistered and bruised after each practice, I can very proudly say that I am a roller derby girl.”

The members of the Slaughter County Roller Vixens share a common ground and a true passion for roller derby. They welcome everyone with open arms.

Navy Reservist Yeomen 3rd Class Theresa Gronwoldt also known as ‘Betsy

Wrecksie’ has been temporarily drilling out of Naval Magazine (NAVMAG) Indian Island. She is part of the Roller Dollz league from Sioux Falls, S.D. While being attached to NAVMAG she decided to use her time wisely to practice honing her skating skills with the Slaughter County Roller Vixens.

“When I met up with the Slaughter County Roller Vixens they were very friendly and welcoming,” said Gronwoldt. “It’s amazing to share the same interest with other women because there is an instant connection. Being able to practice with different teams gives me an opportunity to learn new things for my own league.”

According to slaughtercountyrollervixens.com the team got its name from the county’s rich history. In the late 1850s the area known today as Kitsap County was part of both King and Jefferson County. 

The area was rapidly growing as the hub of industrial activity due in no small part to its five lumber mills. Of King County’s 238 voters, 139 were living on the Kitsap Peninsula. A county seat was needed on the peninsula since that was where the majority of the population was located.

A new county was created called Slaughter, commemorating Lt. William Alloway Slaughter who had been killed in a Native American skirmish near Auburn. Slaughter County was born on January 16, 1857. The girls of Slaughter County Roller Vixens though the name was a fitting moniker for their team.

For Boatswain’s Mate 1st Class (SW) Geno Guerrero assigned to Naval Base Kitsap (NBK) Bangor, it was his wife who inspired him to become a coach for the team.

“When I was out to sea with the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 76) my wife joined the league to keep herself busy,” said Guerrero. “This sport is great for women because it gives them a place to let off some steam and also stay in shape. There is a special bond these women share and they develop a type of sister-hood unity.”

Blood, broken bones and bruises don’t scare these skating divas, in fact they live for it. For Jennifer Moretty aka ‘Evil Jenevil’ roller derby is a way to let out her frustrations.

“Roller derby is a true real sport and it helps me relieve stress,” said Moretty. “When my husband has to go out to sea I always have people to hang out with and something productive to do. Dressing up is also the fun part.”

Moretty’s husband Lt. Cmdr Jon Moretty assigned to USS Kentucky (SSBN 737) (Blue) supports her team by attending her practices and games when ever he can.

“This sport gives women a place to get together in a positive atmosphere,” he said. “This gives her an opportunity to do what she loves and I support her in what ever she wants to do.”

The next match, titled Derby Island Invasion, is scheduled for March 28. Tickets are $5-10. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. at the Open Space Vashon located at 18870 103rd Ave SW Vashon, WA.