The jams are action-packed.
The Atlanta Roller Girls have alter egos that just might surprise you. Some are Emory alumnae, some work right here on Emory’s campus or in its health care facilities. And some choose to remain incognito like comic book super heroes we all admire.
These skating ladies are tough, gutsy, and incredibly committed to roller derby. Learn more about the sport and read all about these skaters in this month’s issue of EmoryWire.
Her name is Cindy Fontana but she’s known on the track as inSINerator, and she skates for the Sake Tuyas. Eight years ago, she
InSINerator is also known as Cindy Fontana, Emory’s associate swimming and diving coach.
recalls, “I didn’t even know how to skate but I was determined to give it a try.” As well as skating every day, she swims, plays water polo, and lacrosse.
Quadratic Abrasion skates for the Apocalypstix as a pivot, blocker 1, and power blocker. Prior to derby, Quad was an avid hiker and occasional rock climber. This is her first (and favorite) team sport. The lady likes math and coffee, and “dislikes whiners and slackers. In that order.”
Quadratic Abrasion doesn’t mess around.
Bruze Orman will give you a run for your money on the track. As co-captain of the Apocalypstix, Bruze also skates for the Dirty South Derby Girls All-Star team. “Skating for & working with ARG is more fun & more rewarding than I would’ve ever imagined!”
Bruze’s alter ego is Gara Coffey, a doctor of pharmacy who works as a clinical pharmacist for the Atlanta Veteran’s Administration Medical Center. In 2001-2002 she completed her pharmacy practice residency with Emory Healthcare.
Bruze Orman is in it to win it.
Bat L. Royale is a pivot, blocker and jammer for the Sake Tuyas. She’s also known as the Reverend Dr. Katy Hinman 06T.
Canna Whoopass is a tough cookie, skating for the Toxic Shocks with all her might to the cheering crowds. But watch out – this skater was voted “Most Lives Up to Her Name.” In the daylight hours, she works for Emory Medical Center, but her name shall remain a mystery.
Watch out for the mighty Canna Whoopass.
Surfer Rosa, a.k.a. Alana Reed 11G, has earned her PhD in biological and biomedical science.
Timber in a jam.
Timber Hines is Bullie Jean King, and she’s a retired Atlanta Roller Girls skater with an Emory connection. She is associate director at Student Activity and Academic Center (SAAC). Though she skated for three seasons before hanging up her skates, Hines told us “I am looking forward to getting involved in the recreation league this fall! Playing with the Atlanta Rollergirls was one of the best experiences of my life!”
Wheelin’ Jenningsis otherwise known as Jill Hennecy, senior online producer for Emory University communications. She admits, “I played basketball, track and softball until I gave it all up for black hair, Bauhaus and Ankh necklaces in high school.” Now, she says the best thing about being an Atlanta Roller Girl is “seeing what a group of people can accomplish when they have a vision and passion about something.”
Jill Hennecy, a.k.a. Wheelin’ Jennings. She’s co-captain of the Sake Tuyas.
Surfer Rosa makes a statement.
Bat L. Royale
Desi Scarnaz knows “Juggling derby and work is a little challenging.” Still, she keeps her skating in perspective. “I like to keep things light. I never forget that this is a game and we’re supposed to be having fun.”
Nattie Long Legs of the Toxic Shocks and Rumble Bs is also known as Natalie Turrin 18G, a doctoral student in the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies.
Unless otherwise indicated all photos by Tim Moxley used courtesy of Atlanta Roller Girls.
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