Derby Wives Go Head-to-Head on March 2nd
If you’re new to roller derby or even if you’ve been a longtime fan, you may not have heard the term “derby wife.” This tradition started back in 2003, according to Kasey Bomber of the L.A. Derby Dolls. A few too many drinks and a declaration of love to her skater BFF was all it took for the concept to take hold. A derby wife is now defined as “your roller derby soulmate.” It remains a common practice in today’s derby community, complete with outlandish proposals and even weddings.
Dixie Did It and Rowdy Bout It represent the epitome of the derby wives tradition. The pair met back in 2013 at Sonoma County Roller Derby’s skate camp orientation. Dixie had joined the previous year and Rowdy was attending the orientation to learn about roller derby after suffering a massive loss. “I met Dixie and found derby a few months after my mom died,” said Rowdy. “Derby was a great, life-changing distraction. Dixie kept me laughing, lifted my spirit and filled my heart! Derby with Dixie saved my soul.”
It was love at first sight. “Number one thing I love about her is that she keeps it real,” said Dixie about Rowdy. “Good, bad, and ugly, Rowdy will tell you what’s on her mind 100 percent of the time. You will never have to wonder.”
Rowdy said, “What I most admire about Dixie is her ability to dive full force into life’s uncharted waters, excelling at whatever that may be and crushing all obstacles that stand in the way.”
Rowdy proposed to Dixie on stage at an after party the following year. “I proposed to her with my mom’s favorite ring,” Rowdy said.
“She got on one knee and everything! In front of the whole crowd,” said Dixie. That same night, the “I do’s” were officiated by She-Ra Badass.
Dixie Did It moved away from Sonoma County in 2015 and transferred to Bay Area Derby (B.A.D.), based out of Oakland. On March 2nd, Dixie will be playing on B.A.D.’s Berkeley Resistance against the Sonoma County All-Stars, Rowdy’s team. Although they no longer play for the same league, they could not be more excited to be on the track together again. “We have always loved playing with each other and against each other,” says Dixie. “Honestly, just seeing her face on the track is rad and I’ll take it as a teammate or opponent, however I can get it.”
Although there’s no end to their love for each other, they will not hold back on the track. Watch Rowdy Bout It and Dixie Did It battle on March 2nd at the Grace Pavilion in Santa Rosa.