Rushing past the other girls, she sees flashes of black. She pushes forward, trying to avoid blockers who stand in her way. Kicking harder, junior Yazzy Molina completes another lap, scoring more points for her roller derby team.

Molina, who has participated in roller derby for over nine years, was inspired by seeing her first contest at the age of eight. 

“I was fascinated by the incredibly strong, beautiful women who hit each other on the track, but were best friends off the track,” Molina said. “I signed up for the team after seeing my first bout.”

Fans who watch a roller derby game usually focus on the fun and intense competition between athletes, but there is more to the sport. Teammates form a strong bond with one another because of their fierce, competitive nature and a desire to work together to win each contest.

“The hardest part about roller derby is the mental aspect,” Molina said. ”I have to get over my fear of overcoming challenges. I love playing in the games [and] being with the roller derby community, but I have to stay focused.”

Because roller derby is a contact sport, team members constantly try to prevent their opponents from lapping them to score points. Each team is made up of five members who play at one time and skate in the same direction, playing both offense and defense. A designated “jammer” is a player who scores points, while the teams compete in short, two minute contests.

Derby community members consists of players ranging from players who are 8-9 year old, to adults. This means Molina can serve as a role model and influence others. In fact, Molina has been there for other children who were inspired like her and has made many friends during her career. She also won several awards by participating in this racy sport.

“I’ve received dozens of MVPs, a Miss Sunshine award and an El Corazon award,” Molina said. “I also played in the first ever roller derby junior olympics this past summer.”

After earning these accomplishments, Molina is moving up the ladder with her team River City Riot. Playing under her alter ego Prima Basherina, she has big hopes for the future and plans to continue playing the sport.

“I’m hoping roller derby will take me back to the junior olympics,” Molina said. “I want to be recruited onto an adult league when I turn 18 and tour the world while playing.”

To accomplish these goals, Molina trains five days a week. She does endurance training, team practice, speed skating, street skating and additional practice at the skate park.

“I’m very excited about my future roller derby career and where it will take me next,” Molina said. “I owe a big chunk of who I am to roller derby. This is my life now. I bleed, sweat and live derby. I am roller derby.”