Sonoma County Roller Derby Girls Ready to Tear it Up in Santa Rosa

The Wine Country HomeWreckers, a competitive group of girls that lead Sonoma County Roller Derby, are used to getting bruised, battered and at times even bloodied, at CalSkate in Rohnert Park.

But the team needs more space. They’re selling out games at CalSkate — a venue that’s maxed out at about 750 people, and the Rohnert Park rink is only available to rent a few nights a week. So, currently the girls are in contract negotiations with a new space in Santa Rosa.

“We want to grow and expand,” said Erica Hart, otherwise known as Honey D. Linkwent on the rink. “We want to be able to practice day and night, and CalSkate could only offer us two or three nights a week.”

Mari-Dantia Almeida, or D. Enforcer as she’s known in derby, started the HomeWreckers four years ago, but team of about 16 is growing rapidly. Five months ago Sonoma County Roller Derby added a junior team: the North Bay Bruisers. 

The HomeWreckers have a vision for a new Santa Rosa rink, a location they have not yet disclosed. The girls want to hold after-school programs for kids, work with local nonprofits to do good in the community and reach out to those who feel left out in traditional sports.

“Roller derby is growing across the country; every major city has it,” D. Enforcer said. “Our new space downtown will be available to us all the time, so we’ll be able to get involved in the community.”

Derby’s important — more than just a game, the girls said.

“There’s an empowerment aspect to the game. It gives all types, shapes and sizes a chance to get involved,” D. Enforcer added. “I see girls come in who’ve never played a sport in their lives, who maybe aren’t popular, or are just looking for something.”

The HomeWrekers and the Bruisers are both competitive teams, ranked by the national Women’s Flat Track Derby Association — what the team calls the NFL of derby.

Often the two teams practice with other California teams, such as the Bad Apples in Sacramento and the Mendo Mayhem Roller Girls out of Mendocino County.

The HomeWreckers’ next game will be held at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa April 16 against the Mission City’s Brawlin’ Betties out of Santa Barbara.

Editor's note: Sonoma County Roller Derby is currently holding practice Monday and Wednesday at University of Sports in Rohnert Park. Open practice is every Monday night starting at 7 p.m. for girls who want to try out. Anyone can join. Wednesday night practice begins around 8 p.m.

Correction: This article initially stated that Sonoma County Roller Derby was the only team in Sonoma County. There is in fact, another team called the Resurrection Roller Girls.