Besterns!

For the Facebook phenomenon of Throwback Thursday (#TBT), a retired skater friend of mine posted a photo from Western Regionals in 2010.  This was a time when almost all of the leagues were in the United States and the country was divided in to "Regions".  It started as Eastern and Western, and then grew to North Center, South Central, Eastern and Western. Now we have division and international leagues from all over the world. The London team is one to beckoned with in Division 1.  Other European teams and Australian teams are up and coming. The first South African team was accepted into the apprentice program and the Cairo team continues to skate even with civil unrest chasing them from practice spaces.

Four years ago today, we headed to our first high level championship.  We came in as the underdog and pretty much got our butts kicked.  We played the Rocky Mountain Rollergirls and Denver Rollergirls, two teams, that continue to this day, to dominate the game.  We received a letter from the Denver coach complementing us on our game play, our drive but most of all our heart - never giving up - playing classy -  even when we were being pummeled.  It was a rude awakening.  It was an amazing experience.  I wouldn't have it any other way.

It was also the weekend where I would fly from the tournament in Sacramento to Seattle (and back again) to organize the production of the Legal Voice Auction.  I would fly back after playing two tough games on Friday.  I would fly back after busting my ACL in the last 5 minutes of the last game of the night.  I would sit on the floor and sob big fat tears because I knew I was so very injured and there were so many exciting things coming down the pipeline.

And I wouldn't change it for the world.

photo by Donalee Eiri