Last night, I was invited to join in a practice with The Bomb City Bombshells. The Bombshells are a local roller derby team, and I couldn’t wait to put on pads and see if the sport lived up to the hype.

One shoulder checked me with such perfection that it actually sent me flying, feet off the ground.
Credit: Shannon Lewis TSM Amarillo
Credit: Shannon Lewis TSM Amarillo
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Practice started out the same way most practices start. We did stretches and warm-ups while wearing the skates. Then came the drills.

The team is made up of paralegals, nurses, school teachers, students, full time moms, and women from every walk of life.

We practiced falling. Then we fell some more. Then came the hits.

I was sent out on the track alone, doing laps. It was my initiation. One after another, each of the derby girls took their turn sending me flying into the wall or through the air.

One shoulder checked me with such perfection that it actually sent me flying, feet off the ground.

Credit: Shannon Lewis TSM Amarillo
Credit: Shannon Lewis TSM Amarillo
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...you get the sense that it’s more about family...

Next, we split into teams defending and jamming. I found it easier to “jam” and score points than defend.

When I took my place in line to defend, one of the derby girls looked at me and said, “I’m probably going to throw you into someone.” She did just that. She literally threw me at a jammer trying to get by and score points. That's team work.

Credit: Shannon Lewis TSM Amarillo
Credit: Shannon Lewis TSM Amarillo
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But it’s not all violence and mayhem. For the Bombshells, you get the sense that it’s more about being a family.

The team is made up of paralegals, nurses, school teachers, students, full time moms, and women from every walk of life. Ages range from ladies in their 20’s to their 40’s.

When I spoke with Kat, one of the coaches of the team, she said that it’s a release for most. For two hours, twice a week, they meet up and forget about everything else going on in life.

Credit: Shannon Lewis TSM Amarillo
Credit: Shannon Lewis TSM Amarillo
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You can keep up with the Bomb City Bombshells by checking out their Facebook page. This Saturday they are having a fundraiser pancake breakfast at Applebee’s. For tickets and more info, contact Kat at (806)–206-1246

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