The Lansing Derby Vixens are not just a team of athletes, but a team of moms, students, professionals, art teachers, knife collectors and anything else you can think of. The Vixens welcome womxn of any size and ability and work hard to find a place for them on their team. The Michigan-based roller derby team is tough on the track, but they have also built a community of love and support. See full story in The State News.
Courtney "Smashsquatch" Mellberg ties up her skates on Jan. 27, 2019 at the YMCA in Lansing. She's one of the captains of the All Star league and has been a Derby Vixen for three seasons. "I've played sports my entire life and this is by far the most fun, rewarding and silliest," Mellburg said. "They really feel like my people."
Courtney "Smashsquatch" Mellberg shows off her tattoo that inspired her derby name on Jan. 27, 2019 at the YMCA in Lansing. A significant part of derby culture is picking out a "derby name" you go by on the track. "Most people just call me "Smash"," Mellberg said.
Lansing resident Jenny "Jenergy" Mensch tightens wheels onto a pair of skates for beginners during a practice on Feb. 10, 2019 at the Westside Community YMCA in Lansing.
The Lansing Derby Vixens practice on Jan. 27, 2019 at the YMCA in Lansing.
The Lansing Derby Vixen All-Stars listen to their coaches instructions at halftime during their game against Hammer City on March 16, 2019, at Aim High Sports in Dimondale. The Vixens won 171-168.
Amy "Sassathrash" Brown fights her way around the track during the Lansing Derby All-Stars game against Hammer City on March 16, 2019, at Aim High Sports in Dimondale. The Vixens won 171-168.
Jennifer Wilson watches her teammates during the Lansing Derby All-Stars game against Hammer City on March 16, 2019, at Aim High Sports in East Lansing. The Vixens won 171-168.
Amy "Sassathrash" Brown puts her mouth guard in during the Lansing Derby Vixen 2019 home opener game against Akron on Feb. 9, 2019 at Aim High Sports in Dimondale, MI. The Vixens fell to Akron, 175-74.
The Derby Vixens won 171-168 against Hammer City on March 16, 2019, at Aim High Sports in East Lansing.
The Lansing Derby Vixens celebrate their 171-168 win at the Dispatch, a local dive bar on March 16, 2019, in Lansing.
Meredeth "Evasive Species" Crane adjusts her helmet during a practice at the Westside Community YMCA in Lansing. "The community is what I really love, there’s all these women that I probably never would have met," said Crane. “There’s this need to bring people up, so they’re already invested in you so you instantly have this community of people that want you to succeed and are willing to help you get there."