AUSTIN, Texas — Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott took the show to the track, stepping into the fast-paced, hard-hitting world of Texas Roller Derby—and even lacing up skates themselves!
The duo headed to the Thunderdome, a warehouse in Buda that serves as the heart of the league—hosting practices, workshops, tryouts, and even some bouts. It’s more than just a venue—it’s where the community comes together and where the magic of roller derby happens!
Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott took the show to the track, stepping into the fast-paced, hard-hitting world of Texas Roller Derby—and even lacing up skates themselves!
There, they caught up with some of the league’s standout skaters, including Mila Juke-A-Witch of the Cherry Bombs, Jose Queervo of the Rhinestones, and The Star of the Cherry Bombs, who helped break down the game and what makes Texas Roller Derby so special!
There, they caught up with some of the league’s standout skaters, including Mila Juke-A-Witch of the Cherry Bombs, Jose Queervo of the Rhinestones, and The Star of the Cherry Bombs, who helped break down the game and what makes Texas Roller Derby so special!
The league has deep roots in Austin culture. After roller derby faded in the 1970s, Texas Roller Derby helped bring it roaring back in 2001—and now, the organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Over the years, it has built a reputation for doing things differently, blending serious athletic competition with a signature Austin flair.
The league has deep roots in Austin culture. After roller derby faded in the 1970s, Texas Roller Derby helped bring it roaring back in 2001—and now, the organization is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Over the years, it has built a reputation for doing things differently, blending serious athletic competition with a signature Austin flair.
From the moment you step inside the Thunderdome, it’s clear this isn’t your average sporting event. The matches are fast, physical, and strategic, with skaters racing laps to score points by passing members of the opposing team—all while navigating blocks, hits, and a unique penalty system that can sometimes include unexpected challenges like pillow fights or arm wrestling.
But what really sets Texas Roller Derby apart is its personality. The league leans fully into the “Keep Austin Weird” spirit, combining showmanship with skill. Skaters bring bold personas, creative names, and high-energy performances that make every bout feel like part sport, part spectacle.
But what really sets Texas Roller Derby apart is its personality. The league leans fully into the “Keep Austin Weird” spirit, combining showmanship with skill. Skaters bring bold personas, creative names, and high-energy performances that make every bout feel like part sport, part spectacle.
From the moment you step inside the Thunderdome, it’s clear this isn’t your average sporting event. The matches are fast, physical, and strategic, with skaters racing laps to score points by passing members of the opposing team—all while navigating blocks, hits, and a unique penalty system that can sometimes include unexpected challenges like pillow fights or arm wrestling.
At the same time, the competition is real. Behind the fun and flair is a demanding sport that requires endurance, teamwork, and quick thinking. Players must stay sharp, communicate constantly, and adapt to ever-changing action on the track.
At the same time, the competition is real. Behind the fun and flair is a demanding sport that requires endurance, teamwork, and quick thinking. Players must stay sharp, communicate constantly, and adapt to ever-changing action on the track.
Inclusivity is also at the core of the league’s mission. Texas Roller Derby creates a welcoming space for female-identifying, non-binary, and genderfluid skaters, giving people from all walks of life a place to compete, connect, and belong. For many, it’s not just a sport—it’s a community.
At the same time, the competition is real. Behind the fun and flair is a demanding sport that requires endurance, teamwork, and quick thinking. Players must stay sharp, communicate constantly, and adapt to ever-changing action on the track.
And of course, Sierra and Trevor didn’t just observe—they were fully in on the action.
And of course, Sierra and Trevor didn’t just observe—they were fully in on the action and got geared up to get on the track!
After gearing up, they hit the track alongside the pros, learning the basics of gameplay and experiencing firsthand just how challenging—and fun—roller derby can be.
Players must stay sharp, communicate constantly, and adapt to ever-changing action on the track.
By the end of it, they had fully embraced the culture, earning their own derby alter egos: Sierra Fist and Trevistation!
Sierra Waggoner and Trevor Scott took the show to the track, stepping into the fast-paced, hard-hitting world of Texas Roller Derby—and even lacing up skates themselves!
From big hits to big personalities, Texas Roller Derby continues to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience that keeps fans coming back for more.
Texas Roller Derby has bouts happening now all the way through the Calvello Cup Championship on November 7, 2026, so fans can catch the action all season long.
Be sure to head to txrd.com to view the full schedule and make sure you don’t miss a game!
Be sure to head to txrd.com to view the full schedule and make sure you don’t miss a game!