Allow us to (re)introduce you to the Kansas City Roller Warriors. The local roller derby league took a break during the COVID-19 pandemic, but now they're back and ready to roll.

The league is re-launching with three new teams:

Midtown Misfits
18th and Vines
Strawberry Hellions

As you probably guessed, each of the team names coordinates to the historic district in Kansas City their players represent.

League teams battle each other and take on skaters across the US who are fellow members of the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA). Founded in 2004, WFTDA sets the standards, ranking, and rules for the sport.

Fun fact: KC Roller Warriors actually helped form the association.

Spotted: Hellions on wheels. | Photo by Zaftig Unicorn

Derby teams are available for both adults + kids. Lauren Murphy, Marketing and Communications Officer for the KC Roller Warriors, says the kids program is how she got connected to the league.

"I was on the very first juniors league back when I was about twelve," Murphy said. "My mom skated, so that's how I got into it."

She says this return is special to her because COVID shut down the league during her first season as an adult. This will mark Murphy's first time playing a full season in the big leagues.

Brace for impact. | Photo by Zaftig Unicorn

The first game of the season will be at Memorial Hall (715 Barnett Ave., Kansas City, KS) on Saturday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m., with doors opening at 5 p.m. There will be a 50-50 raffle during the game benefiting nonprofit Transformations KC.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids six through 12. Kids under six get in free.