The Renegade Rollerz kick off their season Sunday; watch the game – or join the team

The Garden Island Renegade Rollerz – the only roller derby team on Kaua‘i – will hold its first game of the 2024 season this Sunday, St. Patrick’s Day.

In observance of the holiday, the Renegade Rollerz and some off-island guests will become the Rainbows and the Leprechauns for the duration of the competition. Both teams will wear themed costumes suiting their temporary identities.

Five Renegade Rollerz braved cloudy skies and intermittent rain last weekend to prepare for their season opener. All were visibly excited to resume their favorite sport after taking the winter off.

“I’m pumped – I’m ecstatic – It’s my favorite thing in life – I can’t get enough – It’s going to be super amazing,” they chorused in near-unison.

The St. Patrick’s Day game is set to begin at 2 p.m. at the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex on Olohena Road in Kapa‘a. All members of the public are invited to attend the March 17 event.

“Bring a cooler, some sunscreen and a hat,” advised Nanea “Nuke Starblocker” Walker, president of the Renegade Rollerz. “There is [bleacher] seating, but if you bring a chair you can sit down here on the rink.”

Kaua‘i roller derby fans unable to watch the Rainbows battle the Leprechauns on Sunday will have other opportunities to catch the Renegade Rollerz in action: The group will host four more home games – called “bouts” – at the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex through Oct. 20.

The Renegade Rollerz will also make several trips to away games on the Big Island throughout the summer, and even make an appearance at RollerCon – which bills itself as “the original worldwide roller derby convention” – in Las Vegas in July.

In fact, roller derby games on Kaua‘i become bigger as the season goes on, according to Renegade Rollerz vice president Jennifer “Animal” McCallister, who also plays for the newly formed and more competitive statewide team Aloha Skate.

By the season’s midway mark, attendees can anticipate halftime shows and more, Animal explained. Although entertainment in 2024 has yet to be finalized, bouts in previous years have featured live music, games between roller derby players and the audience, and free pizza and hotdogs.

Those not content to watch from the stands may be happy to learn the Kaua‘i roller derby team is actively recruiting, after the COVID-19 pandemic caused Renegade Rollerz membership to plummet from two dozen to approximately 12 players.

“We practice twice weekly, Thursdays and Sundays from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. [at the Bryan J. Baptiste Sports Complex]. People are very welcome to show up,” said Nuke Starblocker.

The Renegade Rollerz have extra equipment on hand to lend prospective skaters.

“We’ll teach you how to skate safely and then we’ll teach you about derby,” Nuke Starblocker continued. “The Garden Island Renegade Rollerz empower members to achieve their maximum potential … with training, competition and community involvement in a safe and inclusive environment.”

In addition to welcoming interested skaters at their weekly practices, the Renegade Rollerz will hold an eight-week “boot camp” sometime this fall. The team also has room for those who want to get involved but have no interest in playing roller derby themselves: Skating and non-skating officials, referees, scorekeepers and announcers are needed.

“I started skating for the fun of it because it was good for me and I really enjoyed it as a kid,” said Renegade Rollerz head of programs Heather “Fancy Pants” Phelps. “Then I met these girls. To have a group of people to do it with is motivating … There’s a place for everyone.”

New members of the Renegade Rollerz will make more than new friends. They will inevitably pick up a new name, too.

“Everybody has their own alter ego,” said Fancy Pants.

“I just want everybody on the planet to call me Mermaid,” agreed Tara “Manic Mermaid” Delessi, before Nuke Starblocker laughingly admitted to accidentally introducing herself as “Nuke” to people outside of roller derby.

No matter the outcome of their 2024 season, the only roller derby team on Kaua‘i is in for a good time.

“Even understaffed, we’re going to do whatever we can do, the best we can do it – win or lose,” said Nuke Starblocker. “We always have a lot of fun. We’re going to gain momentum and get better and better.”

To keep up with the Garden Island Renegade Rollerz, follow the team on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok or email the group at gi.renegades@gmail.com.

The team will use its social media platforms to broadcast information regarding upcoming events like summer skate lessons; a “junior derby” for children and young adults; its fall boot camp; fundraisers including Krispy Kreme donut sales and a “Pint Night” at the Kaua‘i Beer Company in Līhu‘e; and more.