For Rebecca Tobiassen, roller derby is worth all the bruises the physical nature of the game causes.
“I would say it changed my life, really,” Tobiassen said. “I’m a mom of two, and so, it’s really great to have the team. You become friends with them, and it’s just a great release, all the physicality. I need it to help keep me sane.”
Tobiassen is the Appalachian Roller Derby president and “fresh meat” training program coordinator.
Appalachian Roller Derby is “an 18+ all-female, skater-run flat track roller derby league based in Boone,” according to its website.