After years of bruises and belonging, Sioux Falls Roller Dollz disband
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They started with a humble flyer on MySpace 20 years ago, printing pink and black shirts and empowering women in Sioux Falls to lace up their skates, call on their confidence and compete in bouts worldwide.
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After 50 recruits in their first year alone and a continued maxed-out roster in all the years to follow, their track is now quiet.
On Tuesday, June 16, the Sioux Falls Roller Dollz announced the closure of their volunteer-run, flat-track roller derby league.
“After many years and countless memories, bruises, victories, laughter, road trips, late-night practices and lifelong friendships, the time has come for us to say goodbye,” the 2026 Board of Directors announced on social media. “We became a family, a place where people found strength, confidence, belonging and purpose. We built something fierce, supportive, empowering and unforgettable.”
Remembering the Roller Dollz
The Roller Dollz, official members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association, were completely skater-owned and operated. Participating skaters, who over the years ranged in age from 18 to women in their 40s, paid for all their own gear, insurance, dues and facility rental for practices and open skate nights at the W.H. Lyon Fairgrounds Armory Building.
They gave back to the community, hosting for years their Bacon Fest fundraiser and Zombie Walk Sioux Falls, a family-friendly Halloween tradition that lurked famously downtown for over 20 years.
Beyond the competitive league, the Roller Dollz were well known in the community for their positive body image messaging for girls and women.
Their announcement post thanked “dollunteer” coaches, referees, sponsors, community partners and their fans.
“Thank you for cheering loudly, showing up faithfully, buying tickets, sharing our events, donating, fundraising and believing in us,” they said. “You helped create the electric atmosphere that made roller derby in the Sioux Falls community so special.”
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Angela George covers trending news for the Argus Leader in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Email [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Sioux Falls Roller Dollz coming to an end after 20 years