Editor’s Note: This is the seventh installment of Spectrum South’s eight-part original Talk Derby to Me series. Roll by each month to meet a new queer Houston Roller Derby skater, coach, or super fan!
By MLe McWilliams
After taking a two–year hiatus from roller derby to pursue her career as a firefighter, Sarah Harford, aka MadCapnCap, is ready to return to the rink. “I love the teamwork and comradery of the sport,” says the former Houston Roller Derby Psych Ward Sirens jammer. “I had to retire from skating for a short period time, but I never lost my passion for and love of derby. Even though I couldn’t skate for the team, I still was able to show my continued support by volunteering as a medic. This month, I will be finishing up my probationary year as a firefighter and have decided to try out for the 2019 season!”
While catching up earlier this month, Harford explains how her love for derby was first inspired by the show The Facts of Life. “I saw the character of Tootie and I identified with her,” Harford says. “She was always shown on roller skates, so I bought a pair and never took them off for almost a year. Later on, when I was working as a server at a local bar, one of my co-workers brought me to a Houston Roller Derby (HRD) event. After the second bout, I decided to try out for a team.”
As we continued talking, Harford shares her thoughts on coming out of retirement, her experience as a queer woman in the sport, and her journey from small-town kid who loved to skate to the determined woman she is today.
Where are you from and how do you identify?
I was born and have lived in the Conroe area all my life. Both of my parents were cops and I went to a small, private Baptist school. The culture that I was raised in was very conflicting to my identity as a queer woman. It wasn’t until I was a part of HRD that I met people who I identified with and could share my life with. Roller derby has become a community to me. What is great about the people in derby is that they want to share and grow with their team. I learned about all different types of people and their stories, many of whom I would have never met or learned from if I had never joined the team.
How long did you play for Houston Roller Derby?
I played during the 2015 and 2016 sessions. I was a jammer for the Psych Ward Sirens and the All Stars.
You’re coming out of a two-year retirement—what about derby made you come back?
I never actually left derby altogether, but I had to retire from skating because I began training for my career as a firefighter and I didn’t want to seriously injure myself during that time. Even though I have not been skating on a team in two years, I continued to be a volunteer for the organization by being an HRD medic.
Roller derby is known for being a female–empowering and queer–inclusive sport. Has that been your experience?
I really believe that roller derby is an empowering sport. Growing up in a small, Christian community, I always knew I didn’t fit in. When I joined roller derby, I met more people like me, but also people who were really different from the people I grew up with. Not only were they accepting of and inviting to all people, they were open about who they were. Since I had not known anyone who was LGBTQ growing up, they were open to discussing and answering questions I had.
What is your advice for those who are considering getting into roller derby?
Roller derby is for everybody! No matter your body shape, your skill level at skating, or why you decided to be in the sport, you will find people who you can connect with. There are people on the teams who see derby as a social group and a way to make friends, some who see this as a way to get into shape, and others who are driven by the competition of the sport. None of these reasons are better than the others. Come as you are, be yourself, and you will be welcomed.
I have one piece of advice to people who want to grow and challenge themselves in derby—skate as often as possible and always skate with others above your skill level.
What are your interests outside of roller derby?
I really enjoy being a part of team sports, which is why I became a firefighter and joined roller derby. Other than that, I enjoy being outdoors, hiking, and fishing around Texas. I also enjoy participating in Spartan races. Currently, I am training to be a triathlete. When I am not training or working, I like to relax at home with my fiancée, Adri.
Houston Roller Derby’s next bout is Saturday, July 21, at Revention Music Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. Bouts start at 7 p.m. Tickets and more information available at houstonrollerderby.com.
