2009 Nationals Preview: Why We'll Win

By Justice Feelgood Marshall, Last updated Fri Nov 13 2009 6:14am

Atomatrix, Oly Rollers

Everyone thinks of the Oly Rollers as credited Speed Skaters and Hockey Skaters and not Derby players … our play at Regionals proved that we now can be known as DERBY players as well! We have the skills and skating ability of a national caliber team.  Why do we think we can win?  Because, you can’t work that hard for that long without thinking you have the ability to WIN!

After Regionals we knew that speed and stamina weren’t an issue so we focused on our strategy. With the work we’ve put in for Nationals, we’re more ready than ever to take the championship back to the WEST.

Robin Drugstores, Philly Roller Girls

So, the question is, “Why is Philly going to win Nationals?”  Let me start by saying that I am no prognosticator, soothsayer or oracle, nor have I ever claimed to be.  Therefore, I do not know that Philly will win Nationals, but I certainly hope so. 
 
I have been a part of the Liberty Belles since early 2007. I love my team and roller derby more than one person should be allowed to love.  I also love the city of Philadelphia, which has always had a history of struggling sports teams.  I want to make our city a city of winners, at least in derby. The fact that we are hosting this tournament makes my desire to win even stronger.  A win in our own city would be a feeling that I could not begin to imagine, (although I have certainly been imagining it!).
 
Our team is full of amazingly talented athletes who commit their lives to this sport. I know that most of my waking hours are consumed with thoughts of strategy and visualization of winning. I am sure that I can speak for my teammates when saying that they think the same way. 
 
Sure, every team has its star players, the Belles included. But I believe what wins this game is teamwork.  All of our practices focus heavily on working together as a team whether during endurance, drills or scrimmage. There is constant verbal and non-verbal communication between us all and I believe that is key in derby. We all constantly strive to be better players.  The Belles work really hard to play a smart, clean game. I know that I have had penalty troubles in the past and I have been extremely vigilant in trying to reduce them in my game. Each of us has set personal goals for this season and those goals are constantly under revision.  We are a strong team with a very deep pool.
 
We are truly humbled by our ranking right now and have not become too big for our britches.  We remain teachable.  Our heads are always in the game without any large egos getting in the way. 
 
We would not be where we are today without our fantastic captains, managers and mostly our B-team, the Independence Dolls. 
 
So, I cannot say that Philly is going to win Nationals, but I can say that there is no reason why we couldn’t.  GO BELLES!!!

Fisti Cuffs, Gotham Girls Roller Derby

We're going to win Nationals because we're the best. :)

Photos: Joe Rollerfan, Kerry McClain (Mistilla the Killa), Masonite Burn (Ariel Quigley)