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Our Featured Skater for the month of April is
Singh Machine of the Kansas City Roller Warriors!
Name: Singh Machine
Team: Victory Vixens
Number: 28
Position: Blocker, Pivot, Jammer
Seasons with KCRW: 5
How did you discover roller derby in Kansas City, and what made you decide to join?
“My then-boyfriend, now fiancee, saw an ad in The Pitch for a roller derby game. After watching the game and seeing all those strong women, I wanted to sign up. I couldn’t stand on skates when I started — somehow I got past that hurdle (which seems to be a miracle).”
Roller derby changes every life it touches. How has it changed yours?
“As a mostly introverted person, it has made feel more comfortable in a bigger group setting. I’ve gotten to more confident and sure of myself off the track. I’ve made strong friendships in the league. Without roller derby, I do not think I would have the types of friends I have today.”
Who inspires you on the track?
“In a way, it’s like a romance in the sense that it’s not all illustrated on Valentine’s Day — it’s not one person who inspires me. New people that are giving it their all, coaches/refs that are watching and giving feedback, current skaters that make a skill look easy or seamless.”
What sets you apart in KCRW?
“My immediate thought is that I’m Indian. I did not play sports as a kid, I am basically an indoor cat. Everything I have learned thus far, I had to learn by rote. I try to help KCRW where I am able. I have coached Junior Warriors and WiT, helped with social media, and I’ve been co-captain and captain.”
To see more of Singh Machine and all the players of KCRW in action, visit our photo albums on Smugmug, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram.