If the Demon of the Derby were still with us today, she’d be celebrating her 77th birthday this August 1st. She passed away earlier this year, but as long as there are people around who remember her, she’s not truly gone. So, give a loud “booooo!”, raise your glass in her honor, and read about the lasting impressions she made on two of the Lonestar Rollergirls:
Chola: I still think of Ann almost every day. She was a woman of strength, integrity and amazing character. I don’t think she knew what an impression she made on me, the league and all of the viewers of the A&E show Rollergirls. I can only hope that her legacy lives on through the skaters of today that I never forget the lessons she taught me about working together and derby work ethic. Sometimes when there is something I don’t want to do, I can hear her voice saying “you just do it ’cause you have to get it done.” There are few people in my opinion that can inspire and really speak to the masses on a personal level and make a difference, and she was one of those people. Long Live the Lovable Lioness!

Varuca Assault: When six of us went to meet her in California it was like meeting a super hero. I’ve never been so in awe. She was wonderful, witty and quite a woman. Leopard print skin tight shiny pants…and what legs I must say! She was wearing her infamous lion sunglasses and some of the largest turqoise rings I’ve ever seen! It was such an honor to share dinner and a night of conversation with her. I learned so much about her life and how we’re keeping her alive by keeping derby alive. She had such faith in what we are doing and she restored faith in the six of us.

One thing she said that holds true every day for me is you have enough energy to fight off the track then you’re not working hard enough on the track. Put your energy where it belongs. Don’t fight within your league - save that frustration and aggression for the game; use it productively. She knew the importance of working together as a league and overcoming miscommunications and obstacles. She was so proud of us for how far we’ve come. I plan to keep derby alive for as long as I live - for Ann, for my league and for derby all over the world! Derby por vida!!!