Embedded Files
June 2011 – December 2019, Kearney, NE
Platte Valley Roller Vixens, Inc.
Board Member, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Tasks
Co-founded the nonprofit and contributed to bylaws and 501(c)(3) status
Directed marketing, including event promotions, paid advertising (traditional and social), press releases and media coordination.
Managed web and social media communications, and internal league forums
Served as Training Committee lead and team captain, overseeing practices and player development
Planned events and charity drives to strengthen community partnerships
Background and Origins
The Platte Valley Roller Vixens were officially founded as Tri City Rolling Thunder in June 2011 with roughly 20 founding members. By January 2012, as the league's business structure began to take shape, six members stepped into leadership roles and formed the first board of directors. Practices and training were already underway, with skaters, coaches, and referees attending three two-hour sessions each week. The league held its first official bout in January 2012 in Norfolk, Nebraska—marking its debut to the community.The league’s mission was twofold: to advance the sport of women’s roller derby through rigorous training and competition, and to foster a spirit of community engagement through volunteerism and service. Members were not only athletes but also ambassadors—committed to promoting sportsmanship and social responsibility both on and off the track, challenging negative stereotypes often associated with roller derby or other contact sports.Around this time, the league began participating in a wide range of community service activities, including highway cleanups, Relay for Life events, fundraisers for local families in need, and food drives for area pantries. Tri City Rolling Thunder hosted its first home bout at the Viaero Event Center on July 20, 2012, establishing a local presence with the league’s first win.In September 2012, after receiving feedback from the international roller derby community about the similarity of the name Tri City Rolling Thunder to that of another Canadian league, the board of directors voted to change the name. All currently active league members voted, and the new name—Platte Valley Roller Vixens—was adopted. Most of the original leadership remained in place, and with legal assistance, the board established formal bylaws and registered the league with the Nebraska Secretary of State.From the beginning, the organization was skater-run and democratic, with members participating in leadership, fundraising, event planning, and public outreach. All PVRV-sponsored events were funded through member dues, home bout ticket sales, and grassroots fundraising efforts.The Vixens welcomed individuals of all backgrounds, body types, and experience levels. Whether skating, officiating, or volunteering, everyone had a role to play—and a voice in how the league operated. That grassroots, DIY ethos remained a core value from day one.
Roller Vixens Skate In For Another Season
Sun, February 14th 2016 - NTV News
Achievements & Impact
Since its inception, PVRV maintained a strong focus on building community ties through volunteerism and service. Members gave back by assisting with fundraisers and donating their time to causes across central Nebraska. All skaters committed to participating in at least 66% of league-designated nonprofit events and fundraisers, reinforcing our mission as a 501(c)(3) organization rooted in service.Over seven years of active competition and community engagement, the Platte Valley Roller Vixens competed in more than 40 bouts across Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa. In addition to our games, we hosted annual holiday bake sales, themed pub crawls, golf scrambles, and Dine Out for Derby events, partnering with local restaurants like Godfather’s Pizza and Freddy’s Steakburgers. We also organized a local screening of the documentary Derby, Baby! at The Grand Theatre, followed by a community discussion on roller derby’s role in women’s empowerment; hosted “Roller Derby 101” chats during SIP (Spirits and Interesting People) nights at Hastings Museum; and joined panels at Hastings College exploring rollerskating and roller derby within the broader context of American sports history.Through direct donations raised from booths (a local nonprofit was invited and the main benefactor at each home game), and participation in community fundraisers, PVRV raised more than $4,500 in support of the following nonprofit organizations and causes:
- Grand Island Crisis Center (for domestic violence support services)
- Central Nebraska Humane Society
- Big Brothers Big Sisters (via Glamorous Generosity and Bowling for Kids)
- Relay for Life (via annual Mud Volleyball tournaments)
- Habitat for Humanity
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Make-A-Wish Foundation (via the Shamrock Shuffle)
- Special Olympics Nebraska (via the annual Polar Plunge, and Torch Run)
- Community Action Partnership of Mid-Nebraska Food Bank (pub crawl proceeds + 100 lbs. of canned food donations)
On December 23, 2019, the decision to dissolve the organization was formally announced, following a membership and board vote. This decision came in response to ongoing recruitment challenges, the lack of a stable practice space, and an increasing number of retirements and transfers as skaters moved on to new chapters in their lives.As part of the league’s final act of service, the following donations were made during asset liquidation:
$2,300.00 - Omaha Junior Roller Derby, to support the continued development of youth skaters and the future of our sport.
$1,000.00 - G.I. Crisis Center, which provides 24-hour confidential services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
$1,000.00 - Central Community College Student Veterans Association, whose members had frequently volunteered as non-skating officials and security at our events.
Three $200 alumni scholarships to cover dues fees for former PVRV skaters continuing their derby journeys with Flatrock Roller Derby, Boulder County Bombers, and Junction City Roller Dolls.
Advertising & Promotion
Print Materials - Flyers, Posters, Billboard Ads, Schedule Magnets
Paid Digital Display Ads and Social Banners
SnapChat Geo-Filter
Merch & Fan Experience
Tees
Trading Cards
Schedule Magnets
Temporary Tattoos, Buttons, Stickers
Posters
Skater & Trading Card Cut-Outs
Scooter Races & 'Feed the Fox' Halftime Competitions
Examples of video used for pre-roll and paid social ads
2014 TV/Social Ad
2015 Recruiting Promo
2016 Roster & Home Game Schedule
2016 Social Ad
We also used video for organic social engagement to show roller derby in action, game and event recaps.
Feb. 1 2014 vs the Dakota City Demolition Crew
2013 vs the Norfolk Bruizin' Bettys
2015 Season Recap
2013 Season Recap
Media Coverage
Some of the earned media we received from traditional press outlets by sending media advisories and press releases.
Women Pick names, shove, crash – enjoy every minute
Aug. 27, 2011
Kearney Hub, Lexington Clipper-Herald
TriCity roller derby team’s first
bout Saturday in Norfolk
Jan. 17, 2012 – Kearney Hub
After seven months of planning and practicing, the Tri-City Rolling Thunder women’s roller derby team will open its inaugural season…
Derby rolls into Kearney
Apr. 11, 2011 – The Antelope
In what sport can ladies expect to run others into walls and shove one another for points? And, oh wait, while on roller skates? Roller derby, of course.
Roller derby coming to Heartland Events Center
Jan. 1 2013 – Grand Island Independent
The Platte Valley Roller Vixens will bring the modern version of roller derby to the Heartland Events Center on Jan. 26.
Roller Vixens take on Norfolk Saturday
Jan. 25, 2013 – Kearney Hub
The Platte Valley Roller Vixens, the Tri-City’s only flat-track roller derby team, are now recruiting for their 2014 season.
Roller Derby
2013 – NTV/KHGI-TV
The Platte Valley Roller Vixens are rolling into Grand Island this Saturday...find out what they are about.
Vixens roll for a chance at derby glory
Sep. 6, 2013 – Grand Island Independent
For the love of the game. That is why 14 young women from the TriCity area became part the Platte Valley Roller Vixens...
Roller Vixens begin recruiting for 2014
Sep. 20, 2013 – Kearney Hub
The Platte Valley Roller Vixens, the Tri-City’s only flat-track roller derby team, are now recruiting for their 2014 season.
Grand Island woman learning the sport of roller derby and having fun doing it
Feb. 16, 2015 – Grand Island Indpendent
When imagining a schoolteacher, it’s hard to picture someone who, by day, teaches seventh-graders but, by night, is a member of a rough and to…
Roller Derby Popularity Grows Alongside Platte Valley Vixens
Mar. 1, 2015 – NTV/KHGI-TV
It's been nearly four years since the Platte Valley Roller Vixens first his the roller derby track. Now they've doubled their team's size and have a growing fan base.
Fearless Females
Vixen empower women, community
Jun. 10, 2015 – Open for Business Magazine
Stephanie Gallaway knew that she wanted to be a part of roller derby from the moment that she knew the sport existed.
Vixens forge skating sisterhood in Grand Island
Jan. 21, 2016 – Nebraska Life Magazine
Roller Vixens Skate In For Another Season
Feb. 14, 2016 – NTV/KHGI-TV
The orange and black are back and sporting some black and blue bruises - the price of loving roller derby says Charlotte Kaeding.
Platte Valley Roller Vixens enjoy sisterhood of the flat track
Apr. 3, 2016 – Grand Island Independent
Like athletes in every sport, the Platte Valley Roller Vixens like it when something they’ve practiced turns out well.
Platte Valley Roller Vixens to Kick Off 2016 Season Feb. 13
2016 – NTV/KHGI-TV
The Platte Valley Roller Vixens kicks off its 2016 season on Saturday, Feb. 13 against the Heartland Hellcats of North Platte.
Platte Valley Roller Vixens kick off roller derby season with victory, sport growing in popularity
Feb. 14, 2016 – KSNB Hastings
Saturday night's roller derby game left the Platte Valley Roller Vixens taking home a victory, but since it hit the tri-cities in 2011, the sport has gained immense popularity.
Roller Vixens’ last home bout Saturday
Apr. 13, 2016 – Kearney Hub
The Platte Valley Roller Vixens will play the Omaha Rollergirls AAA team at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Fonner Park Swine Arena.
Platte Valley Roller Vixens to Play at Viaero Center Saturday
2016 – NTV News
Providing an outlet for women to participate in competitive amateur sports -that's goal behind the Platte Valley Roller Vixens. Their sport might lookrough and tough, but they say it doesn't hurt...to watch.
Roller Vixens schedule bout in Kearney
May 25, 2016 – Kearney Hub
Roller derby is back, Kearney. The Platte Valley Roller Vixens will take on the Heartland Hellcats, at 7 p.m. June 25 at the Viareo Center.
Vixens, Hellcats to settle tie at Viaero Event Center
Jun. 25, 2016 – Kearney Hub
Roller Derby competitors from the Kearney-Grand Island area have a score to settle with North Platte.
Photo Gallery: Platte Valley Roller Vixens vs North Platte Hellcats
Jun. 27, 2016 – Kearney Hub
Roller derby is back, Kearney. The Platte Valley Roller Vixens will take on the Heartland Hellcats, at 7...
Platte Valley Roller Vixens recruiting for derby season
2017 – NTV News
Being a skater in roller derby means there will be bumps, bruises and lots of falls but it is not all about the contact.Roller derby is a game played in two, 30 minute halves and there are these little...
No Coast Punk Show
Sept. 25, 2013 - KLPR
107.7 The Island
Sept. 26, 2013 - KSYZ-FM
Doug & Daddy Show on ESPN Radio
2013 - ESPN Superstation
Women pick names, shove, crash — enjoy every minute
Aug 27, 2011 - Kearney Hub
Sweet-Success: Shape Up | Roller Derby
Jul 13, 2012 - Kearney Hub
Roller Vixens talk season closer and recruitment on KHAS
Sept. 24, 2013 - KHAS Radio
The Platte Valley Roller Vixens
Sept. 26, 2013 - NTV's Good Life
KHGI, KWNB, KHGI (ABC) – Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings
Platte Valley Roller Vixens come to Grand Island
Mar. 10, 2013 - Grand Island Independent
In Your Backyard: Roller Derby at Fonner Park
Jan. 31, 2014 - Grand Island Independent
Teacher turned skater
Mar. 2, 2015 - Grand Island Independent
Derby Popularity Grows with Platte Valley Roller Vixens
Mar. 1, 2015 - NTV Nightly News
KHGI, KWNB, KHGI (ABC) – Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings
Vixens to Kick Off 2016 Season
Feb. 13, 2016 - NTV News at Noon
KHGI, KWNB, KHGI (ABC) – Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings
Roller Vixens Skate In For Another Season
Feb. 14, 2016 - NTV News
KHGI, KWNB, KHGI (ABC) – Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings
Platte Valley Roller Vixens kick off roller derby season with victory, sport growing in popularity
Feb. 14, 2016 – KSNB (NBC)
Platte Valley Roller Vixens to Play at Viaero Center Saturday
Jun. 24, 2016 – NTV Morning Show
KHGI, KWNB, KHGI (ABC) – Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings
Roller Vixens Kick Off 2017 Recruitment
Oct. 17, 2017 – Good Morning Nebraska, Live
KHGI, KWNB, KHGI (ABC) – Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings
Platte Valley Roller Vixens recruiting for derby season
Oct. 25, 2017 – NTV News at Noon
KHGI, KWNB, KHGI (ABC) – Grand Island, Kearney, Hastings
Philanthropy
Photos from some of the main fundraisers or charity events we helped organize or took part in.
Google Sites
Report abuse