After experiencing rapid growth and success in 2011, the Lansing Derby Vixens, Lansing’s premier women’s flat-track roller derby league, are expanding into two teams for the 2012 season. And, as a thank you to the fans who so strongly supported the team, the Vixens are asking them to help name the new team!
Vixens President Lil Hitaly said that the expansion is a natural progression, though one that came more quickly than was expected. “Having a second team was something we’ve envisioned since the beginning,” she said. “But I don’t think any of us expected that we’d be doing it this quickly. We’re absolutely thrilled about it.” She added that having Vixens fans help choose the new team’s name seemed like a natural thing to do. “Our fans have been so incredibly supportive this last year that we wanted them to feel invested in the new team,” she said.
“We wanted to give them a stake in the new team’s future and so we thought it would be great if they could help us give it a name.” The team began the naming process by brainstorming roughly 35 potential team names which were then whittled down until the two most popular names were chosen by the skaters. Now, it’s up to the fans to decide which of the two names will ultimately be chosen: The Lansing Derby Vixens Shoverolets or the Lansing Derby Vixens Capitol Corruption. Fans who wish to vote for the name should visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/QKZCW6R.
Coach Rexxx Manning said one of the most important reasons to have a new team is to allow more skaters to play. “We have well over 40 skaters on our league now, but only 14 of them can play in any bout,” he said. “Having this second team will give a lot more skaters the opportunity to grow and advance in ways that only real bouting experience can allow.” “Everyone has been so great over the last year, working hard and doing what they needed to do to get better,” he added. “I’m so glad we finally get to reward them for that dedication.”
The new team will be what is commonly referred to as a “B” team in which skaters will work on the skills and strategies required to play at a more advanced level, while also playing against teams with similar skill levels. The other team will carry only the Lansing Derby Vixens name and will typically play teams of a more advanced skill level. In addition to a name, the new team will also have a new coach.
The Vixens are proud to announce that former referee Pabst Blue Reffin’ was unanimously chosen by the skaters as the new B team coach.
