Help Holly represent Team USA in Australia!

Hi, I'm Holly Valentine, also known as Holly Block-It, and I’m proud to say that I’ve been given the incredible opportunity to represent Team USA at the 2025 Junior Roller Derby World Cup in Brisbane, Australia!

I’ve been playing roller derby since I was 9 years old, and I currently play for the 3-time National Champions, the Philly Roller Derby Juniors. Playing with Philly has helped me hone my skills and has given me the chance to compete at a national level, going all the way to Champs! My team and my coaches have also shaped me outside the track, helping me to build confidence, discipline and teamwork.

Roller Derby is a sport that places high value on inclusivity and diversity. In Derby, people of all genders and backgrounds come together and compete in a positive and empowering environment. Derby requires a lot of people just to make one bout possible (coaches, referees, medical staff, announcers, track maintenance, registration, scoring, timekeeping, streaming, etc.), and this is done mainly by volunteers. Players often travel long distances (crossing state-to-state) to be a part of a team. Everyone in Derby works hard to build this environment and community, and I’m proud to be part of it.

Going to Australia for the World Cup in 2025 will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I’m excited to compete against some of the best junior athletes in the world on the open division (all gender) team, and I’m extremely proud that I’ve been selected to represent my country, both on and off the track.

This incredible opportunity comes at a cost! The estimated expense is 8.5-10K for transportation, lodging, insurance, uniforms and visas, all of which is out of pocket. This includes practices in California, Tennessee, Philadelphia, and Denver and the World Cup in Brisbane.

This is where I need your help. When I started playing Roller Derby in 3rd grade, I didn’t dream that one day I’d have the opportunity to compete at this level. Any contribution, no matter the size, would mean the world to me and bring me one step closer to achieving this. ($5 will buy me breakfast before a bout!)

Thank you so much for considering supporting me as I proudly play for Team USA!

photo: Drew Wiedemann @drucifer8mm

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