The air smells like sweat, and echoes of kids skates hitting the floor bounces off the sleek metal walls, reverberating back into the space. Other kids shiver and tuck themselves deeper into their clothes, hoping to avoid the chill of the warehouse air, but not Sam Allen.
Sitting on sideways benches, he laces up his skates and rolls onto the track, delicately stepping over the rope that marks the round pathway as he finds himself immersed in the competitive environment.
Freshman Sam Allen is ready for his sport: competitive roller derby.
He first realized this was his sport three years ago, when his mom signed him up in person and he couldn’t help his eyes from drifting to the track in use. Seeing the skaters turn sharply around the track corners called to him in a way that made him want to throw on a fresh pair of skates and get out there. In fact, it was his attraction to the sport that carried him this far, taking him to tournaments in Pennsylvania, California and even Canada with the Indianapolis Junior Roller Team.
“I had started roller skating casually, and my mom told me she had found a roller derby team nearby that I could join,” Allen said. “I thought it’d be fun, so I joined.”
With a waiver and without a tryout, Allen ended up joining the local team, Indianapolis Junior Roller Derby, located near Circle City. In addition to practicing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, Allen was able to travel and compete beyond state grounds.
“One of the most memorable tournaments was in Pennsylvania,” Allen said. “We flew there and spent the weekend walking around town. We won the game, and I got to explore a new place. It was just a really fun experience.”
Allen describes the roller derby community as a place inclusive, where every team is a reflection of who each skater is on and off the track. Each skater also picks their own nickname, and Allen opted for the name “Enby.” When preparing for matches, Allen relaxes by stretching and conversing with his fellow teammates.
“Before a bout [the formal name of a roller derby match] I usually just think about what will happen if we win, or I talk to my friends on the team,” Allen said. “My team is really awesome, a lot of people there are pretty cool.”
Travel isn’t without its challenges though, Allen says his “worst trip” was one in particular where he was giving a teammate a ride. This meant that his parents spent the whole ride talking non-stop as he tried to unsuccessfully sleep in the backseat.
“Driving is basically the hardest part,” Allen said. “Some tournaments are all the way across the country, like California, so it can be exhausting. But it’s worth it to compete and meet different teams.”
Allen has noticed clear regional differences in play style and said he appreciates the variety it brings to the sport. Additionally, through his travels Allen was introduced to the Kandi making community. Allen began experimenting with the hobby over the summer, channeling his creativity into making small Kandi pieces that he later combines into one large eye-catching creation.
“I saw videos of people making cool, elaborate pieces and wondered if I could do that,” Allen said. “I usually make squares, stars, cats or flowers. My largest project is basically a bag made of 1,640 beads so far.”
For Allen, Kandi is a relaxing hobby off the track where he can spend a few minutes to several hours on a piece, depending on its complexity. In addition to his hobby of Kandi making, Allen also cares for a lively flock of 13 birds. Balancing all of these responsibilities can be challenging, especially during roller derby season.
“I usually take care of the chickens about 30 minutes before leaving for practice, and I mostly do art at school or before 5 p.m.,” Allen said. “When I’m stressed, I sleep or do art; it helps me recharge.”
Whether doing Kandl projects, taking care of birds or competing in roller derby, Allen is shaping the path ahead as he keeps rolling forward.
