Combat boots to roller skates Published June 5, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Michael Smith 17th Training Wing Public Affairs GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Gym memberships have been canceled, cigarettes have been smoked and the savings account still only has 38 cents. By this time in the year, for many people, New Year’s resolutions have gone out the window. For one Airman, however, this didn’t hold true. Master Sgt. Erica “Bronx Bombshell” Hidalgo, 17th Training Group student transition superintendent, had a New Year’s resolution to participate in roller derby after being persuaded to come to a San Angelo Roller Girls practice. “I have always loved skating but didn't think I was good enough to be part of a roller derby team until I met one of the girls last year, who egged me on to come to practice,” said Hidalgo. Roller derby is a contact sport played by two teams of five members who roller skate in the same direction around a track. Gameplay consists of a series of short matchups, or jams, in which both teams designate a jammer who scores points by lapping members of the opposing team. The teams attempt to assist their own jammer while hindering the opposing jammer. So far Hidalgo has been on the team for six months, learning not only skills for the rink, but also in everyday life. “The best skill that I've learned from derby is being culturally and sub culturally aware,” said Hidalgo. “Derby girls come from all walks of life. It's been extremely beneficial for me to step outside of my military bubble.” Hidalgo is currently the only service member on the team. “I’m definitely “the military girl” of the team,” Hidalgo stated. “I can't help but be punctual, many of the leadership lessons and challenges I've encountered in my professional life have directly benefited the team administratively. I continue to participate in roller derby because I love to skate.” She never, at any point, felt like an outsider. “The team is incredibly welcoming. I was pulled into the derby family right away and love being part of a social organization that not only competes, but has a very physical component,” Hidalgo added. “I'm not summer body ready yet, but I've definitely toned up quite a bit and shed a few pounds in the process.” Even though roller derby is a hard-hitting contact sport, friendship and comradery is still instilled in the sport. “I've made some incredible connections throughout the community. I can reach out to my derby family for anything I need,” said Hidalgo. Even though her venture in roller derby started as a New Year’s resolution, Hidalgo firmly advocates giving it a try. “If you are female and have ever even slightly in the most minor way considered being part of a roller derby team, do it,” Hidalgo exclaimed. “The San Angelo Roller Girls are an amazing group of women, of all ages, all economic backgrounds, all races and all education levels. There are several girls on the team who never skated before in their lives before joining, so skill level is not an issue. We teach you everything.” Hidalgo will be participating in her first bout of the season with the San Angelo Roller Girls at the Foster Communications Coliseum in San Angelo, Texas during their military appreciation night on June 13 at 7:00 p.m.
