We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacqui Ellzey and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacqui, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I wanted to give the opportunity and support to any skater looking to skate and compete at a National level and World Skate level.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
We are a non profit 501(c)(3) Roller Derby League in the Southeast Valley of Arizona. We are one of the few USARS leagues in Arizona that compete every year at Nationals. We skate by the World Skate rule set. We have chosen to skate by this rule set, to offer the opportunity to our skaters, at honing their skills and potentially compete at an International level. We as a league encourage our skaters to participate with multiple different leagues to broaden their skills.

The league started out as an invitation only, weekly skills improvement class. I immediately had 5 skaters that wanted to improve beyond their current skill level. After about 3 months of classes and growing numbers of skaters, I decided to start my own league. It was not an easy process, as I had to learn how to create league bylaws and rules to have members abide by. With help from 2 other leagues, a format was set, and bylaws created. The next major hurdle was filling out and filing our 501(c)(3) paperwork, to become a Non-Profit entity.
As a league, we strive to ensure that everyone is made aware of their self-worth, by building confidence, skill and the essence of teamwork. Through hard work, fun practices and healthy challenges, we have built and are continuing to grow our roller derby family with a belief of helping our local community.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would plan on taking my friends to the local breakfast places that I enjoy, like Cozy Corner Café or Henhouse Café and I would cook breakfast for most of the time that they are visiting. For adventure, we would travel to Jerome for some sightseeing and shopping, then further north to Sedona for a spa visit, possibly have fun at slide rock and just enjoy it’s natural healing at one of the vortexes. Upon returning to the Valley of the Sun, we would find a local casino for late night Bingo, go dancing at Denim & Diamonds, or head to my house to play board games, card games and socializing. For dinner places, I would take my friends to The Doghaus for a great burger or brat, the ambiance of The Salt Cellar for those that love seafood or Flemings for an elegant dining experience and fabulous steak.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shout out to my family who have supported me the entire time, my mother for always showing me how to work hard for what you want no matter what others think. My husband that supports me and will follow me anywhere. My Daughter, my best friend thank you for loving and never giving up on me!

Shout out to the Roller derby community, some of the people I have met along the way have been truly amazing I call family! Arizona has such a large support and fans for Roller Derby. I have so many leagues I am thankful for.
Thank you –

New Mexico Elevated Roller Derby (previously known as Duke City) -teaching me this amazing sport in 2006-2012!

Arizona Roller Girls – welcoming me to your league and introducing me to a new style of Roller Derby (USARS) (2012-2015)

Albuquerque Roller Derby/ Phoenix Roller Derby (previously known as Desert Dolls) Helping me start up Arizona Skate Club with your knowledge and support and mentorship I don’t think we would have made it this far without you.

Phoenix Derby Dames – accepting and showing me the world of Bank Track skating and Reffing!

Casa Grande Roller Derby – for showing me that even tho we have a different rule set we are still able to work together.

Website: www.azskateclub.com

Instagram: officialarizonaskateclub

Facebook: @arizonaskateclub

Youtube: @ArizonaSkateClub190

Image Credits
Jason Orton Daniel Sepulveda

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