Lauren Halpern
•7/22/2026
FORT MYERS, Fla. (WINK)—Fort Myers Roller Derby is showing the community there's more to the sport than speed and hard hits.
WINK Sports reporter Lauren Halpern visited Skatium to see what makes the area's only flat-track league special. The athletes say roller derby requires significant skill beyond just skating in circles.
"It is a fast-paced, full-contact sport on roller skates, basically the down and dirty of it," said Cammi Laboa, a player with Fort Myers Roller Derby.
Many skaters joined looking for a new hobby but discovered something deeper. The league has built a tight-knit community that extends beyond the track.
"I was just looking for something new to get into to meet people because it's so hard to make friends as an adult," said Jessica Blair, a player with Fort Myers Roller Derby. "And really what keeps me in it is the community."
That community has overcome significant challenges. As a 501(c)(3) organization, Fort Myers Roller Derby is self-sustaining, with skaters paying dues to keep the league running.
"We are self-supporting," said Alicia Applebee, treasurer of Fort Myers Roller Derby.
The team faced setbacks from the pandemic and Hurricane Ian but is now experiencing renewed growth. Applebee said the league is in a growth period with its largest freshie class—new members—staying committed and working hard.
The club welcomes new members regardless of skating ability. Freshies say they've found an accepting environment as they learn the sport.
"I was really nervous that they were gonna judge me for not knowing how to skate, but they've all accepted me," said Marlene Jorn, a freshie with Fort Myers Roller Derby.
"I didn't play a lot of sports growing up, so I didn't have that experience," said Mia Guariano, a freshie with Fort Myers Roller Derby. "So just getting as much time in with my teammates and just like growing for myself, but growing as a team."
The freshie class continues year-round training. Fort Myers Roller Derby's next home bout is scheduled for Aug. 8.
