South Side Roller Derby is more than just a league; it’s a lifetime sisterhood. To honor those who have built this sanctuary and dedicated their lives to the track, we are officially launching our SSRD Legacy Membership.
Legacy Members are the elite guardians of our mission—veterans who have transitioned from active play into a lifetime role of mentorship, leadership, and advisory wisdom. These are the faces of South Side, now and forever.
We are incredibly proud to introduce our Founding Legacy Member, with many more legends to follow: Izzy Dead.
When we talk about the “Legacy” of South Side Roller Derby, we are talking about the people who stayed when things got tough, who moved the heavy track when the lights were low, and who kept the banked track dream alive at all costs. Today, it is our absolute honor to announce our very first Official Legacy Member: Izzy Dead.
The Number Speaks for Itself You know a skater is an OG when you look at their jersey. Back in the “wild west” days of derby, we had long, crazy numbers with characters and symbols. Today, SSRD only allows three digits—but Izzy’s #30-06 is a piece of history we will never let die.
The Outlaw Refugee Izzy’s journey with us began in 2017 after one of our spawn leagues, Outlaw Roller Derby, dismantled. We like to call her our favorite “Outlaw Refugee.” She didn’t just join us; she became a pillar of our community. From transporting and building the track to mentoring the next generation of skaters, Izzy has been pivotal to every game day we’ve ever run.
The Banked Track Guardian If you ask Izzy why she’s stayed so loyal all these years, she’ll tell you straight: “Keep the banked track alive. Don’t let it ever die.” That is the heart of a Legacy member—someone who protects the sanctuary we’ve built.
Beyond the Track When she isn’t looking like a powerhouse on skates, Izzy is a true farm hand. From rodeo and training young horses to boarding rescue dogs and tending to her chickens, she brings that same “Git-R-Done” cowboy work ethic to our league.
A Message to the New Skaters Izzy started in 2010 after a client told her about derby. She showed up to a sold-out game, couldn’t get in, and just decided to show up for practice the next day instead! She says she looked like a “drunk baby giraffe” at first, but she never quit.
Even with limited mobility from a snake bite and years of hard work on her legs, Izzy proves every day that yes, you can. Her advice? “Move your feet. You might not be good at everything, but you will master something.”
Izzy, thank you for being our mentor, our track-builder, our “Big Sister,” and our friend. We are honored to have you as a Legacy Member for life. We’ll see you on the track until we’re all just “old ladies” watching the game together!
