[dropcap]F[/dropcap]rom the moment Kyle resident Michelle Martin took in her first roller derby bout at the Austin Convention Center 12 years ago, she was hooked.

Sure, roller skating has always been, and still is, a part of Martin’s livelihood.

But there was little that could compare to the sport that blends the speed of NASCAR, the physicality of football and the entertainment of professional wrestling.

So when she heard through friends of a possible roller derby team forming up nearby, Martin didn’t hesitate.

Now Martin, a 42-year-old mother of two, joins roughly a dozen or so of her teammates who make up the San Marcos River Rollers, an all-female owned and operated 18-and-up nonprofit flat track roller derby team.

Rebecca Hudson, president of the SMRR, said the mission of the team is to develop and amplify athleticism through “wisdom, courage and fortitude” of its members.

SMRR also aims to empower and inspire women by demonstrating “physical and mental strength on and off the track” and to become role models in the community.

“The sport empowers females of all size, shape and cultures,” Hudson said.

SMRR’s origins began when Hudson was pregnant with her daughter, who was born in March.

During her pregnancy, Hudson dreamed about roller derby every night, she said. She recalled her own roller derby experience when she was a member of the Ark Valley High Rollers in Salida, California, and the Hurricane Alley Roller Derby in Corpus Christi.

When she found out she was having a daughter, Hudson said she wanted to ensure she would be able to enjoy the same experiences in her life.

“If she could have roller derby as a young lady, she would be able to benefit the way I have but at an earlier age,” Hudson said.

From there, Hudson began to create the organization, using Facebook to network with others.

Kyle resident Rachel Moose, head of public relations for SMRR, said creation of the team happened “really fast.” Over the span of one month, SMRR went from 20 followers on Facebook to just over 200. In addition, participants’ interest grew in SMRR, with team members coming from all walks of life in the Hays County area.

“Our main thing is community. We’re all about community ... We’re building healthy relationships that keep a community strong, and to empower women of all kinds and giving great role models for little ladies to look up to.” Rachel Moose, head of public relations for SMRR

“Our main thing is community. We’re all about community,” Moose said. “We’re building healthy relationships that keep a community strong, and to empower women of all kinds and giving great role models for little ladies to look up to.”

Once they got their team together, SMRR began looking for place to practice. So far, the team has taken to parks in the San Marcos, Buda and Kyle areas.

Practice sessions involve teaching the ins-and-outs of roller derby to members of the team, who may or may not have experience in the sport.

Moose said learning the sport and keeping up with the speed took some getting used to. Moose said she hasn’t skated in eight years, with the last time being when she worked as a car-hop at Sonic.

“It’s like riding a bike,” Moose said. “You’re a little rusty at first, but then you just roll on out.”

While the sport is predominantly physical, there is a sense of camaraderie and encouragement among teammates, Moose said. She said she receives support from her husband and her children, one of whom regularly skates.

Martin, who works at Cowboy Harley Davidson in Austin, said her 17-year-old daughter comes out to skate regularly.

“It’s a big family affair,” Martin said. “I told my coworkers and they love it. They’re like, ‘bash ‘em.’”

Sage Richardson, who is also a member on the team, said participating in roller derby builds confidence both on and off the track.

“After I pull away from practice in my car, I throw on my punk rock music,” Richardson said. “All of my coworkers know about it and they think it’s cool I’m a part of this.”

SMRR now eyes finding a permanent indoor facility for practice. Hudson hopes one day to have a junior derby team for younger skaters.

Moose said the international acclaim of the sport helps make it universal.

“The one common dominator is skating and that’s what makes us stick together,” Moose said. “You’re a friend already before you meet someone.”

For Martin, while she’s on the higher end of the age group, she is ready for the experience.

“I’m ready for it. The idea to get in there and push your way through – hips, butt – that just feels like it will be the most awesome thing.”

BE THERE

The San Marcos River Rollers are having a Community Meet-up on Aug. 12 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Buzz Mill in San Marcos. The team is looking for referees, non-skating officials, EMTs and skaters.