Rotorua's Kerry Pearson is skating on a high after recently becoming a history-breaker for the Sulphur City Steam Rollers' Motley Crew team.
Pearson, who goes by the name of Princess Die when she takes to the Roller Derby track, has been accepted through to the first phase of Team New Zealand Roller Derby selection on her debut attempt.
The 29-year-old is the first member from the Motley Crew team to make it so far at a national level, finding out the good news on New Year's Day.
Pearson, who plays as a blocker for her side, said she was shocked by her selection, after mid-December tryouts last year in Auckland, having only taken up the sport four years ago.
"It was quite unexpected. When I went to the trials the calibre of players was very high," she said. "Of course I had my hopes. I was over the moon when I found out. What a way to celebrate the New Year.
"If someone would have told me I'd make it this far in selection for New Zealand when I started the sport I would have laughed at them. I couldn't have imagined ever achieving something like this."
The determined skater, who is head coach and captain for the local Motley Crew, added her selection success was down to support from her fellow teammates and a "strong mindset".
Princess Die (no.12) in blocking action for her Motley Crew side at the Halloween Skate Spooktaculer. PHOTO/FILE
"I really took to the game straight away and it helps with the team I'm training with," she said. "They're such a great bunch of women and have really pushed me to go as far as I have. It feels nice to know I have such good support behind me."
Experienced Motley Crew blocker Layla Robinson added: "This is so exciting for the team because we're still a relatively small league with players who haven't been around as long as other leagues."Kerry deserves this - she is the member with the highest attendance rate and is hugely passionate about the sport. She certainly has what it takes to make that final selection and it would be huge for Rotorua if she made it to the World Cup."
Pearson was one of 50 skaters chosen at the New Zealand Trials with the number being reduced to 32 in February and a final squad of 20 to be selected in June this year.
This is in preparation for the Roller Derby World Cup held in Manchester, England in February 2018.
"I would be absolutely stoked if I made it to that final 20. I've never travelled that far and just thinking about making it to a possible World Cup blows my mind," she said.
"It's going to be really hard to make that cut. I will definitely have to up my training and be at my very best but I've made it this far and I'm determined to make it."
The last Roller Derby World Cup was held in 2014 in Dallas, in the US, when 30 countries participated with New Zealand finishing fifth.
"We would definitely be ones to watch. The squad is full of inspirational skaters and whoever makes it in the final cut will certainly be challenging to take that title."
In the meantime Pearson is focusing on continued success with Motley Crew who compete in the Sulphur City Steam Rollers league. They've had some excellent results this season, including a 182-155 win over Auckland's Broadside Brawlers at the Halloween Skate Spooktacular last year.
And the team have recently been invited to participate in the National Derby top 10 tournament.
"It's a very exciting time for myself and the team right now," Pearson said. "I hope my New Zealand selection spurs everyone on and we keep performing. Roller Derby is certainly on a roll in Rotorua and let's keep that going."
