Today we’d like to introduce you to Rosa Salazar.
Hi Rosa, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The Kalamazoo Killer Beez Junior Roller Derby Team was established in 2014 by Kristy Howard, known on the track as Javelin. Inspired by her love for roller derby and a desire to share the sport with her young child, Kristy laid the foundation for what has grown into a strong, dynamic, and inclusive program.
What started locally has expanded into a nationally traveling team, with our skaters competing in tournaments and playoffs across the country each year. We are proud to consistently qualify for postseason play and represent Kalamazoo on a national stage.
Inclusivity is at the core of who we are. The Killer Beez welcome skaters of all gender identities, backgrounds, and experience levels. We believe derby should be a place where every young person feels seen, supported, and empowered to grow.
More than just a team, we’re a family—one that values athletic excellence, leadership, and a deep sense of community both on and off the track.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like many grassroots sports organizations, our journey hasn’t always been smooth—but it’s been worth it.
One of our biggest challenges has been funding. Roller derby is a gear-intensive sport, and travel costs add up quickly, especially for a junior team that competes across the nation. We’ve relied heavily on fundraising, community support, and the dedication of our volunteer coaches and families to keep things running.
Another struggle has been visibility. For years, it felt like one of our biggest hurdles was just getting Kalamazoo to know we exist! Junior roller derby is still a growing sport, and it took time to build awareness, gain recognition, and recruit skaters consistently.
We’ve also outgrown our practice space. Right now, we’re only able to hold one practice a week due to limited access to a suitable venue. Finding an affordable, consistent space that fits the needs of a full-contact skating sport has been a constant challenge.
Despite it all, our love for the sport and commitment to these kids has kept us moving forward. Every obstacle has made us more resourceful and more united as a team and community.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What do we do?
We train the next generation of roller derby athletes—and more than that, we help young people grow into confident, empowered individuals. The Kalamazoo Killer Beez Junior Roller Derby Team is dedicated to teaching athletic skill, teamwork, resilience, and leadership through the sport of roller derby.
What do we specialize in?
We specialize in building well-rounded skaters. From foundational skating techniques to high-level strategy, we coach players to compete both locally and nationally. Our team consistently qualifies for playoffs and competes against some of the best junior teams in the country. But beyond competition, we focus on sportsmanship, safety, and self-growth.
What are we known for?
We’re known for our grit, heart, and inclusivity. The Killer Beez are welcoming to all kids and teens—regardless of gender identity, background, or experience level. We foster an environment where every skater feels safe, seen, and valued. Our community is strong, and our skaters often form lifelong friendships and mentorships through the team.
What are we most proud of?
We’re incredibly proud of our skaters—how hard they work, how much they grow, and how they support each other on and off the track. Seeing a timid new skater transform into a confident team leader is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do. We’re also proud of the family-like culture we’ve built. Our league truly feels like a second home.
What sets us apart?
Our commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and national-level competition makes us unique. While we train hard and play hard, our deeper mission is to create a space where young people can thrive—not just as athletes, but as whole humans. That heart is what drives us and sets the Killer Beez apart.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
What role has luck played in your life and business?
Luck has definitely played a role—both good and bad—but it’s what we do with it that really defines us.
We’ve had stretches of tough luck: limited funding, struggling to find consistent practice space, and trying to grow a sport that many people in our area hadn’t even heard of. But even in those moments, we were lucky to have a core group of passionate volunteers, skaters, and families who believed in what we were building.
On the flip side, we’ve had moments of incredible good luck—like finding just the right coach at the right time, getting support from community sponsors, or making connections with other leagues that helped us grow. One of the luckiest things of all was that Kristy (Javelin) had both the vision and the determination to start this team back in 2014.
So while luck has been part of the journey, we believe it’s our persistence, passion, and people that have truly carried us forward.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kalamazookillerbeez.squarespace.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Ak6RXc9vq/
