Skater: Melee Killums, #86
League/Team: Cleveland Firestarters
Age: 14
Favorite Candy: Any and all gummies
Favorite Music: Paramore, One Direction, Skillex, Jason Mraz
Favorite Movie: The Hunger Games
Melee was quiet and shy until she started playing roller derby. By playing this competitive and team-driven sport Melee has transformed to “be my own hero.” Today, she is more confident, stronger, and not afraid to be her own person—and you just never know what hair color she might be sporting.
Melee asked her parents if she could try out for the junior roller derby league after watching the adult league, Burning River Roller Girls, play. Her parents encouraged her to try out, and she was in love after the first practice.
Roller derby has changed her life. Making so many new friends and working hard at practice, Melee is in love with every position in roller derby. She considers her “average” body type to be an advantage, allowing her to play any position. Perhaps also her Brown Belt in Karate and her letter in 7th grade track demonstrate her drive to thrive on the rush she feels on the starting line all the way to fighting through the last second of the jam.
One last important thing to know about Melee; her number is 86 because she’s “gonna 86 you on the track.” =)