GRR IN THE NEWS
2025
Traumagotchi sits down with the Village Builders podcast to discuss roller derby – Sitting down with Katy from the Village Builders podcast, Trauma discusses the process of joining the league and falling in love with the community. Additionally, Trauma and Katy discuss the unique components of the sport of roller derby, focusing on gender inclusion and the ability to “join as you are.” Trauma also shares her journey of growing from a mentee to a mentor, a year after joining roller derby. She also reveals the exciting experience of what it was like to skate in her first bout. Tune in to this special podcast episode to hear more!
2024
Roller Rebels looking for tenants to support practice space –
The Gainesville Roller Rebels (GRR), a roller derby league in Gainesville, Florida, has been a constant presence in the community since 2007, promoting athleticism and empowerment. However, they have faced ongoing challenges in finding suitable skating spaces for practice and games, and their recent practice space, the Gainesville Bridge, is at risk of closure due to a lack of support, prompting the league to seek alternative options and community support. The Gainesville Iguana. January/February 2024, page 32.
2023
Talk Derby to Me – Forget everything you think you know about roller derby. Despite being an intense, fast-paced, full-contact sport between two opposing teams who score points while attempting to keep their balance on skates, it’s not the knock-down, drag-out brawl it’s often exaggerated to be. Our Town Magazine. August/July 2023.
Gainesville Roller Rebels get around – “Spectators were still making their way in as the Gainesville Roller Rebels (GRR) and the Sugar Sands finished their warm-ups and demonstrated a jam for newcomers at a recent matchup. Although they had arrived almost four hours early to build a floor to skate on, the roller derby players were energized, wearing flashy, customized outfits built around team jerseys and bright makeup. ” Main Street Daily News. August 23, 2023.
Reptile Report Season 0 5 Ep 5 (jump to GRR) – “A few weeks ago reptile reports Julie Katzen introduced us to the Gainesville roller derby team as they prepared for the upcoming season after four years off of the track. Now the roller derby season has finally begun and the Gainesville Roller Rebels could not be more excited to get back on their skates!” Reptile Report Season 05 Episode 05. April 27, 2023.
2021
Gainesville Roller Rebels stay afloat amid pandemic (archive) – “The moment the Roller Rebels are cleared to practice again — or have their first bout — will be surreal. Tobias believes when they are skating again she’ll drop to her knees in disbelief because it’s been almost a year since they’ve been together.” The Independent Florida Alligator. February 4, 2021.
2020
Four wheels makes a family: Gainesville Roller Rebels focus on inclusion (archive) – “Although COVID-19 has disrupted their seasons since March, teams around the world, including the Gainesville Roller Rebels, have shifted their focus from winning bouts to giving back to the community.” The Independent Florida Alligator. October 25, 2020.
Program helps get much-needed laptops to families (archive) – Because of the pandemic, the Roller Rebels had to scrap its summer roller derby plans, which included a T-shirt sale to raise money for the team; however, team members decided to continue the sale and donate the proceeds to Computers for Kids. The Gainesville Sun. May 23, 2020
2019
Rollin’ With The Rebels (archive) – Orange & Blue Magazine features the skaters and officials of GRR and what drew them to the sport. Fall 2019
Local Roller Derby Team Creates Fun and Inclusiveness (archive) – Cierra Clark of WCJB TV20 News reports, “The competition, the safe space this environment creates, along with the bonds made, are some of the things that make people want to become a Gainesville Roller Rebel.” June 19, 2019
Gainesville’s full of unique sports (archive) – CBS 4 News. May 14, 2019
Roller Derby legends visit Gainesville to teach moves (archive) – The Independent Florida Alligator covers GRR’s sold-out workshop featuring international roller derby legends Scald Eagle and Lady Trample. January 14, 2019
2018
Gainesville shows its Pride during annual festival (archive) – The Independent Florida Alligator. October 22, 2018
Seen: Pride 2018 (archive) – Gainesville Magazine. October 20, 2018
Gainesville Roller Rebels ‘Derby 101’ session (archive) – WCJB features GRR’s ‘Derby 101’ session at the Alachua County Fairgrounds teaching people how to skate safely and learn more about the team. August 11, 2018
Fairgrounds relocation hot topic at town hall (archive) – The Gainesville Sun. July 2, 2018
Roller Rebels route regional rivals in rink rally (archived version only) – The Independent Florida Alligator. June 5, 2018
Active Streets + 352Creates celebrates community (archive) – The Gainesville Sun caught up with GRR at the 5th Annual Active Streets festival. February 25, 2018
2017
Balancing Babies And Bruises: Working Mom Finds Footing in Roller Derby (archive) – WUFT reporter Sara Girard does an in-depth video interview profiling GRR Vice President Bootyvicious and what drives her to balance work, life, and her team. November 10, 2017
Swamp City Sirens to play in final match of the season (archive) – Ranging from late teens to late 40s, the Sirens drove all the way to Ocala from school, work and family to practice for Saturday’s bout. It is the GRR’s 10th anniversary and the last bout of the season. The Independent Florida Alligator. October 31, 2017
2016
Applicants do a bang-up job at Roller Rebels’ Recruitment Day (archive) – “Ready to roll with the punches, attendees don donated shoes and lots of padding to tryout for the the “fresh meat” division of the Gainesville Roller Rebels, in which they will learn the do’s and don’ts that go into roller derby.” The Gainesville Sun. September 25, 2016
Women’s Movement (archive) – Whether it be the sweatiness of the Gainesville Roller Rebels, Alachua County’s first and only competitive women’s flat track roller derby league, or the scrappiness of the Florida Ultimate Elite Ladies, UF’s Women’s Ultimate Frisbee team. “Pleasant,” as Sigler said, or aggressive, what unites all these women is the power of the relationships they build while learning to rely on their teammates and learning to trust themselves. The Fine Print. April 17, 2016
2015
Gainesville has own Running of the Bulls (archive) – Nina Cusmano with the Independent Florida Alligator writes, “Organized by the Gainesville Roller Rebels and inspired by Spain’s Running of the Bulls, derby women from the Gainesville Roller Rebels, dressed as bulls with horns adorning their helmets, chased race participants in their roller blades.” July 27, 2015
Rolling to Recovery: Tattooed and Bruised (archive) – Destiny Johnson is at it again with a moving piece featuring Jane Dough. May 25th, 2015
Roller Rebels season opener (archive) – Gainesville’s Lunch Out Blog talks with Head NSO Jirr Ballistic about the 2015 season. April 2, 2015
The Rebels roll into their new season (archive) – The Alligator helps GRR get the new season off to a great start. March 18, 2015
Roller Derby Dame: When Push Comes to Shove (archive) – UF Photography student Destiny Johnson looks into the life of a GRR skater. February 11, 2015
2014
Roller Rebels with a Cause, on Skates (archived version only) – Noel Neff visits with the Rebels. The Roller Rebels are members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA), which has six leagues in Florida and 202 leagues worldwide. The flat-track sport was re-introduced in 2 y afternoon, rock ’em-sock ’em theatrical roller derby played on banked, wooden tracks. 000 and quickly caught on with a younger audience not familiar with the old days of Saturday afternoon, rock ’em-sock ’em theatrical roller derby played on banked, wooden tracks. Gainesville Observed. July 1, 2014
Roller Rebels Roll On (archive) – On Saturday, the Gainesville Roller Rebels, Gainesville’s first and only competitive women’s flat-track roller derby league, battled the Fort Myers Derby Girls at the Alachua County Fairgrounds in the first home game of the summer. The Independent Florida Alligator. June 19, 2014
2013
Gainesville roller derby team rebels against alcohol rule (archive) – The Independent Florida Alligator. October 2, 2013
Gainesville Roller Rebels Lobby For Alcohol Sale Exemption (archive) – WUFT.org’s Kim Ortiz covers GRR’s support of a measure to broaden the sale of alcohol citywide. September 26, 2013
Roller Rebels plead for city’s help at new venue (archive) – The Gainesville Sun. September 25, 2013
Rebels Give Roller Derby a Face in Gainesville (archive) – “We all have this one really big thing in common,” said Miriam Hill, the league’s president who goes by “Stocky Balboa.” “So, we’re like a vegetable soup of people, and it really works. We’re all a little bit different, but all together it makes something great.” The Gainesville Sun. August 31, 2013
Skate, Rattle & Roll (archive) – The Fine Print sits down with our very own President, Stocky Balboa. March 16, 2013
2012
Gainesville Roller Rebels to compete against N.C.-based team Saturday (archive) – The Independent Florida Alligator. October 12, 2012
Gainesville’s roughest and toughest roller derby team raises money for charity (archive) – WUFT.org’s Sami Main talks with Copper Chaos about the camaraderie side of roller derby and the Roller Rebels’ lastest charity raffle for Peaceful Paths. September 7, 2012
Miriam Hill: Spirit of Gainesville nominee (archive) – Recognizing her incredible contributions to the Roller Rebels, the Gainesville sports community, and roller derby as a whole, GRR President Stocky Balboa is profiled in The Gainesville Sun for her nomination for the 2012 Spirit of Gainesville awards. August 29, 2012
Queer Girl City Guide: Gainesville, Florida (archive) – Autostraddle. August 2, 2012
Saturday night Derby dating (archive) – Gainesville’s Lunch Out Blog (GLOB) correspondent David Lluberes and his date experience their first roller derby bout, the exciting match-up of GRR vs. Tally Capital Punishment. July 26, 2012
If you haven’t heard about this sport all you need to know is, it’s on wheels. (archived version only) – WCJB-TV 20’s Yaremi Farinas takes a few lessons with LeBrawn Maimes, Ragerienne and Stocky Balboa to find out what it takes to battle it out on the track. July 22, 2012
Town & Country Guide Magazine (archive) – For the summer “EDGE” edition, Town & Country Guide Magazine spotlights the Gainesville Roller Rebels. Editor Melissa Hardee writes about spending time with GRR and learning about roller derby from a fan’s perspective. July 2012
Members of the Gainesville Roller Rebels have strong ties to UF Health Colleges (archive) The POST. April 9, 2012
Gainesville roller derby team eligible to compete nationally (archive) – The Independent Florida Alligator. February 16, 2012
2011
Parisleaf Thursday Shout-Out: Gainesville Roller Rebels! (archived version only) – “Rage-rienne” talks roller derby, GRR’s community impact and what she loves about roller derby! October 27, 2011
“Eh-Nihilator” (aka Canada) with Steve Russell on Sportscene – Gainesville Roller Rebels resident Canadian player “Eh-Nihilator” talks with Steve Russell on Sportscene, WRUF 850 AM’s morning sports show. Listen in as “Eh” discusses her experience with GRR’s Fresh Meat program, differences between roller derby and ice hockey, and living in Florida. September 23, 2011
Gainesville Roller Rebels play hard for respect and support (archive)
GRR President Stocky Balboa talks to WUFT News 89.1 about the league’s plans for the future. WUFT calls GRR “the pre-eminent professional sports team in Gainesville!” September 16, 2011
Cruisin’ for a Brusin’: Gold Coast Derby Grrls vs. Gainesville Roller Rebels (archive) – Miami New Times. September 8, 2011
2010
Hometown tourist (archive) – “Move over, UF football players. The women of the Gainesville Roller Rebels show their toughness and athleticism with this extreme sport, which came to Gainesville in 2007.” The Gainesville Sun. September 26, 2010
Roller Rebels recruiting session promotes camaraderie (archive) – “In derby with your teammates, there’s no such thing as TMI,” she said. “We play together, get hit together, win and lose together.” The Independent Florida Alligator. July 14, 2010
Roller Derby raises funds for kids (archive) – A portion of the proceeds from Sunday’s game went to benefit Manatee Children’s Services, a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking the cycle of child abuse. Bradenton Herald. April 10, 2010
2009
Gainesville Roller Rebels win final match (archive) – The Independent Florida Alligator. November 30, 2009
Roller derby team rides wave of momentum (archive) – “An unexpected victory and post-holiday crowd of about 400 on Sunday collectively attested that the Gainesville Roller Rebels leave “going in circles” for the track.” The Gainesville Sun. November 30, 2009
Roller Rebels hope new film popularizes the sport (archive) – The film, starring “Juno’s” Ellen Page, has garnered strong critical acclaim, feeding a string of league promotional events with fresh interest and new blood.. The Gainesville Sun. October 2, 2009
Roller Derby: The sisterhood of the skates (archive) – Women are flocking to roller derby to find camaraderie, thrills, and enough physical conditioning and true grit to do a warrior princess proud. Reuters. September 28, 2009
5 fun ways to get fit (archive) – The Gainesville Sun met up with league founder Ms. Rebel to discuss who can play for GRR. “We accept anybody who’s willing to put in the practice, time and commitment to the league. Whether you’re not athletic or haven’t played a team sport before, you’ve got that competitive streak in you, you just haven’t found it yet.” September 19, 2009
Alternative sports offer fun, novel fitness opportunities (archive) – The Independent Florida Alligator. August 17, 2009
Roller Rebels ready for last bout of season (archive) – Gainesville Roller Rebels, a women/s roller derby league, is far from your typical day at the skating rink. With bumps and spills all along the track, it/s amusing for both skaters and spectators. If you can handle rough play, this sport will give you a great leg workout and help you let out your aggression. The Gainesville Sun. May 17, 2009
‘Gainesville Roller Rebels’ play first home match of season (archive) – The Independent Florida Alligator. April 20, 2009
2008
Rolling out the action (archive) – “Through the fish-net stockings and alter-egos[…] shone real athleticism, drive and talent at Gainesville’s second-ever Roller Derby match Sunday night.” The Gainesville Sun. November 17, 2008
Sinners defeat saints at Roller Rebel derby bout (archive) – The Independent Florida Alligator. July 15, 2008
At fair, roller girls put on show (archive) – The Gainesville Sun. July 14, 2008
Skate like a girl (archive) – “It’s empowering to be the one person in the room who says, ‘I pour sweat, shove people and fall on purpose at least twice a week for several hours, and I love every minute of it’,” [league founder] Seemann said. “I guess that’s the Rebel in me.” The Gainesville Sun. March 18, 2008
Gainesville ‘rebels’ try to take over roller derby (archive) – The Independent Florida Alligator. February 25, 2008
PRESS RELEASES
- Roller derby team gears up to take on Tallahassee
July 17, 2012; (PDF) - Roller Rebels kick off summer bouts with tough matchup against Fort Myers
May 30, 2012; (PDF) - Gainesville Roller Rebels set eyes on national stage
September 14, 2011; (PDF) - Local team wants derby to be Gainesville’s “other” favorite sport
October 17, 2011; (PDF) - Roller derby team makes giving back a priority
October 31, 2011; (PDF)
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