Mississippi Valley Mayhem roller derby team is recruiting

After a year off, La Crosse’s Mississippi Valley Mayhem is rebuilding in 2021.

The team is looking for skaters, referees and non-skating officials to be part of its family.

The Mayhem is inviting anyone who has ever thought about being a part of roller derby to join a practice next week and try it out.

Practices are from 6-8 p.m. Monday and Wednesday at the Onalaska OmniCenter. They will have some equipment people can borrow but encourage those interested to reach out in advance so organizers can plan.

If you’ve been a skater of any sort before, that may help, but is certainly not required.

Jester, a veteran member of the Mayhem and head of recruitment, said she had never skated before she joined her original team back in 2014.

“I don’t think I’ll ever quit now because it’s so much fun,” Jester said. “It’s a great workout, it helps keep your body super healthy and mobile, and you get better and better over time. You don’t have to be great at it. You don’t even have to know how to join roller derby.”

Natalie R., derby name coming soon, only joined last week but is already loving it.

“So far, it’s been really rad,” she said. “The girls are so supportive and I get really good feedback, in a way that makes me feel really comfortable about getting better and working on it. So that whole atmosphere is just really comfortable and exciting. Whenever I go, I look forward to it every time.”

Who exactly are they looking for?

“We’re looking for female identifying, 18 and over, who want to be part of a family of skaters who want to get together and have a good time,” Jester said. “We learn more from each other, we do not have a coach, we coach each other. We’re looking for people who want to get together and be healthy, to hit each other from time to time, and be part of the best roller derby team around.”

Learn more about Roller Derby in general and how to join on their website, follow MVM on Facebook, or reach out to join: [email protected]