Meet members of the Kalamazoo Killer Beez Roller Derby team

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Hello, my name is Tabitha. I was raised in Portage and have tried just about every sport there is to offer around here ranging from Tae-Kwan-Doe at Chung’s Academy to waterskiing on Eagle Lake. With my love for trying out new sports, it is a travesty I did not know there was a Roller Derby Team right in Kalamazoo until recently.

As with most things, Roller Derby has changed since its creation in 1930. It has swapped its banked tracks with no protective gear for flat tracks and full protective gear. What remains, however, is the community and fun this sport offers. Kalamazoo has two Roller Derby teams: The Killer Beez and the adult league, Kalamazoo Roller Derby. The teams are filled with athletes from around the greater Kalamazoo area who all share a love for the sport.

The Kalamazoo Killer Beez is a junior league Roller Derby team. They have skaters ranging from 7-17 years old. Don’t let their ages fool you, these skaters can really pack a… sting! If you didn’t know already, the team members of roller derby all get to pick a ‘derby name’; this will then be what everyone calls them and what is printed on their jersey. No run of the mill last names on these jerseys! Featured in this article are the three athletes who have just aged out or will age out this year: Tex Mex Ronnie (Veronica Chapman), Hel’s Belle (Helena Czekalski), and Mexican Takeout (Sydney Howard).

What are your personal goals within your sport/athletic dreams?

Hel’s Belle: To just enjoy and give my all to this last year on the junior team!

Tex Mex Ronnie: One of my personal goals within my sport was to build my confidence.

Mexican Takeout: A goal of mine would be to go to another world championship.

What is your biggest challenge in your sport, and what do you do to manage this challenge?

Hel’s Belle: I’ve been in derby so long that I remember going co-ed, and what it was like before. My team was pretty late to the shift, and then with things halting for COVID I’ve just seen the sport change a lot. Honestly, it’s not a bad thing! We need the people, and being women’s only can also be isolating for many. I think most teams are still picking themselves back up after the pandemic pause, but I mean, it’s Roller Derby. If it’s one thing we’re good at, it’s falling and then getting back up. You gotta really love the sport to do it, but honestly it’s the people that keep bringing me back, despite all that might change.

Tex Mex Ronnie: For me personally my biggest challenge was juggling my mental health and my love for the game. Oftentimes I found it hard to get up and go to practice every week but knowing that I got to play with a group of people that truly had my back made it easier.

Mexican Takeout: Mental blocks have been my biggest challenge. To manage this I just keep pushing.

What was the best advice you were ever given?

Hel’s Belle: Advocate for yourself. Biting your tongue isn’t gonna make anyone else’s life easier, just yours harder.

Tex Mex Ronnie: Give your best at the moment and no matter what it is it will be good enough.

Mexican Takeout: Be the hammer, not the nail.

What do you love about your sport?

Hel’s Belle: It is such a diverse community full of people who really want to be there over anywhere else. I am forever grateful there were so many girls from different walks of life I could look up to when I was younger.

Tex Mex Ronnie: I love that roller derby has boosted my confidence and has given me the ability to see beautiful places and meet different people around the country.

Mexican Takeout: The friends and family I have gained.

Do you have a pregame ritual you follow?

Hel’s Belle: I usually have someone else braid my hair and try not to barf. Woohoo pre-game nerves!

Tex Mex Ronnie: Picking up some pistachios and beef jerky from the gas station and covering my body in KT tape.

Mexican Takeout: No, I don’t have any pre game rituals.

What do you like to do outside of your sport?

Helle’s Bell: I draw, wash dishes at my part time job, and lift weights a couple times a week.

Tex Mex Ronnie: Outside of roller derby I love to hang out with my friends, play with my dog and go to the race track every weekend.

Mexican Takeout: I like to read and do crafts.

What has being a member of a team taught you?

Hel’s Belle: Not everyone can be playing offense. Sometimes you gotta take one for the team and hold down the wall. And when you’re in the wall, don’t get mad at the girls who freeze up or miss the jammer, you’ll have to eat your words when you inevitably miss too.

Tex Mex Ronnie: That as long as you give your best effort, your team will always have your back.

Mexican Takeout: Being a part of a team has taught me to be respectful of others decisions

What is the best piece of advice you received from a coach or mentor?

Hel’s Belle: You can’t spend all your time being upset over bad calls. Frustration is contagious- everyone on the team deserves to enjoy the game, even if it’s not going well.

Tex Mex Ronnie: Always keep going no matter how tired you are or how unsuccessful you are it’s a lesson never a loss.

Mexican Takeout: Mind over matter.

From their stories, it is clear that these student athletes are on track for a bright future. If you would like to see the Beez in action, their next home game is October 28th at the Performance Fieldhouse in Paw Paw.

This is an unedited user writing submission. The views, information, or opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of Best Version Media or its employees.