In The Beginning!

The Mid Michigan Derby Girls was founded in July 2008. The following month we were incorporated and became a non-profit company in our state. The three founders, RIP Saw, Kay OTIC and Emilee VaBruise, took to the streets in local parades and events with their families in tow. We were successful in recruiting and spreading the word about our league and roller derby the sport.

In September 2008 we began holding regular practices, three times a week at Skateland in Mt. Morris. We also held free "Get to Know Roller Derby" nights. With the help of some of the Detroit Derby Girls we were able to put on a few mini scrimmages. This was an opportunity to introduce Mid Michiganders to our grown sport. Taking guidance from Detroit Derby Girls and their staff has been helpful. We have taken much advice from them, in the training of our girls. Skating safely is our top priority.

In January 2009, MMDG hosted our first public scrimmage. It was an exhibition game against the Flint Generals hockey team. Everyone in attendance had a great time and seemed excited about roller derby. We were featured in the Sports Xtra segment on our local CBS news station, WNEM Channel 5.

Throughout the 2009 year we grew to be a league of more than 40 skaters and staff members. We have been successful in recruiting skaters from as far north as Midland and as far south as Ann Arbor. We have girls in communities that stretch from Lapeer to Swartz Creek. Just minutes from Flint we truly do represent Mid Michigan, not just a single community.

In September 2009 we kicked off our official rookie bouting season. The following month we were excited and honored to be accepted into the WFTDA Apprentice Program. WFTDA stands for Women's Flat Track Derby Association and is the governing body of flat track roller derby. For complete rules of the game and member leagues visit http://www.wftda.com.

We look forward to you becoming a fan of roller derby and of the Mid Michigan Derby Girls!