Panhandle United Roller Derby
By Monica A. Heimes , League President/Safety Director
Edited By Dorian Busby, League Treasurer
In the early 1930’s roller derby became an American contact sport. It debuted in a Chicago coliseum on an oval banked track to promote speed races. As the sport gained popularity, teams formed and a point system ensued to allow certain forms of physical contact. It was not until the 1970’s that roller derby was recognized as sports entertainment. Stadiums started to sell out and races were broadcasted on radio and TV stations alike. During this era, roller derby teams began to demonstrate showmanship and theatrical antics to stir up and interact with the crowds. Roller derby continued as a sport for years but re-emerged with more structure and athleticism in the early 2000’s.
In 2008, two dedicated individuals Cynthia Moreno (IMP PRISS) and Kimberly Brown (Vicious Mistress) formed and named our league, The Beach Brawl Sk8r Dolls (BBSD). BBSD is one of the original roller derby teams along the Emerald Coast. Through many season of hard work and perseverance, our league was granted full member status into the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) in early 2016 and gained official national ranking under WFTDA. Later that year, we changed our league name to Panhandle United Roller Derby and made The Beach Brawl Sk8r Dolls our Home Team.
This month is recognized as Women’s History Month. Within our league, many women and men play a critical role towards the development and progression of our league as well as our community. Many league alumni have set the tone and made a mark within our community. Brandi Bradley (Cheap Shot) is one our league’s longest standing alumni members. As a retired roller derby skater, she holds a full-time job in addition to contributing our community as an animal rescue and foster advocate. When asked why she joined roller derby, Brandi said, “I was looking for something. I was approaching 30, didn’t have many friends, and needed to connect with someone. BBSD has brought so many amazing people into my life. Even after retiring from the sport, three years later, I’m still connected and making those connections all over the world.”
Today, our league is focused on making our mark on history not only in the sport of roller derby but within our community. Many league members play an important part in the community and donate countless volunteer hours to schools, rescue and other non-profit organizations. Off the track, our members contribute to society through a broad range of occupations ranging from: Early Childhood Educator, SRA Processor, Active Duty Military, Domestic Engineer, Insurance Sales, Administrative Director, Oral Surgery Assistant, General Manager, and Childcare Director.
The mission of Panhandle United Roller Derby is to be a charitable organization, with our main focus being the empowerment of women and protection of children. Roller derby has empowered many women around the world to unveil their strength, confront their fears, and discover their potential not only on the track, but in life.
