11/06/2026
It has been quite awhile since I felt the desire to coach a team. The last time I took on the task was in the before times—pre-COVID pandemic—when I was afforded the privilege of coaching the VRDL Queen Bees. I’d officiated at the highest level in Australia and played at the highest level in the world. Coaching was a new area of the game to learn and develop. I’m eternally thankful to that team for allowing me to hone my skills while they became the best B team in the world. Our international campaign at the Big O in 2017 and earning a spot to compete in the Grand Final at The Great Southern Slam in 2018 were highlights of my derby career.
But nothing is forever and with a change in leadership my support as a coach vanished. I stepped away from the role and the team and concentrated on playing and officiating. I continued assisting with running trainings at Victoria Men's Roller Derby and the occasional paid gig alongside Honey Collider #007 as Collidible Coaching, but my coaching days were behind me. Or so I thought.
A couple years ago—in 2024—Honey joined South Sea Roller Derby and I took the opportunity to casually refresh my skills, helping out officiating at scrimmages and assisting on the bench whenever possible. I soon realised I missed the enjoyment and satisfaction of contributing to a team as a coach, and in 2025 I stepped into a head coach role, leading the full contact training sessions and driving the strategy for the Sirens, South Sea’s premier competitive team.
The Sirens were a team with untapped potential but lacking some direction and struggling with some growing pains typical of a smaller club with a long history. The skaters were keen to improve, receptive to feedback, and willing to put in some work so I happily accepted the challenge.
The past two years we’ve been working diligently to build our strengths and address our weaknesses. We’ve tested ourselves in Division 1 tournaments, always as the lowest seeded team, and relishing the opportunities to stress test the team and build resilience.
This past May the team played their first game of the year while I was away competing at the Men’s Roller Derby World Cup in France. I was sad to miss the game, but completely dismayed when I heard the feedback from some of the team. They lost a close game to a worthy opponent, but it sounded like the game was a mess. Luckily there was footage so I made time to review it as soon as I could. I saw something in that footage that the team didn’t feel on the day. I saw formations reforming and reacting quickly and dynamically. I saw assertive starts and smart decisions. I saw gaps and mistakes and some recurring bad habits as well. But most importantly I saw the team executing the skills we’ve been training for months and performing at a level I had never seen before. I got excited.
Two weeks after I returned from Europe the team travelled to Adelaide for The Great Southern Slam. We nominated for Division 1 and came in as the lowest seed again, as every other team in the division outranked us. We played our hearts out, facing challenges that tested our resilience on multiple levels. We played with determination and focus, resolve and resilience, respect and sportsmanship. We won two out of three games and finished third place in our division—the top division.
To say I am proud of what the team has accomplished is an understatement. Not only did they face up to giants of the sport on the biggest stage in Australia, they did so with courage and—most importantly—integrity. They showed up for their team and got the job done, but they also showed up for the club’s other teams: the Banshees (Division 3 Champions!) and the Krakens. On top of all of this, they managed to bring the fun and demonstrate that through all the blood, sweat, and tears we do this because we love the sport, the people, the community, and the culture of excellence and acceptance.
Once again I’m reminded why I love coaching and how very lucky I am. And yes, I’m very proud of my team.
