TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) – Topeka’s roller derby team, the

Capital City Crushers

They are right in the middle of their intense competition period.

Since 2007, the Crushers have been fierce competitors in the national roller derby scene, but the organization is so much more than just a sports team.

Roller derby demands physical toughness, resolve, and crucially, collaboration. With the Crushers, this unity is clear on the track, yet even more pronounced beyond it.

” I would say this is a lot of our safe place when it comes to a group of people, so we can come here and be ourselves, and it’s just safe,” team member Cherie Dougherty said.

Upon relocating from California to Topeka, Dougherty quickly became attracted to the Crushers because of their acceptance of all lifestyles.

They accommodate everyone’s pronouns, regardless of whether they use ‘he’ or ‘she’,” Dougherty stated. “We organize many family-oriented activities since quite a few of us are mothers, so we aim to host events that involve children. Our objective is to remain actively engaged within the community.

Inclusivity encompasses all abilities.

You’ve never actually needed to wear skates to join the team,” team member Shawna Allen stated. “Thus, there are individuals who are completely new this year with zero prior skating experience, alongside veterans who have been skating since they were as young as 8 years old.

Winning is always a goal, but not the priority. Allen says she’s most proud of this organization’s dedication to each other and the community.

“If not most, but all of the team and other teams are very much mental health advocates, and so we’re always there to support each other, build each other up, whether it’s derby related or not.”

The Crushers are always looking for recruits. Their next two bouts are May 25 and June 1st at SK8away.