Advertising junior Adriana Garris and microbiology junior Olivia Snelgrove felt surprised to learn that although there are over one thousand organizations on campus, UT did not have a single skating club when they arrived. They set out to change this by creating their very own club for female skaters.
In the alley between the FAC and the UT Tower, roller skaters gathered at the first Roll With Us meeting this past Saturday. Garris and Snelgrove, seasoned skaters since around 10 years old, taught members a number of new tricks.
“In terms of what we want for the club, I think just finding a community,” said Garris. “No matter what form of skating you do, you have similar experiences and interests, and connecting over that is the biggest thing.”
Garris and Snelgrove said that they often see people on campus skating and want to create a place where fellow skaters at UT can meet. They both said since coming to Austin, they have struggled finding a skate community despite how big the skate scene is.
“We do have a big roller derby community (in Austin) and a lot of female skaters, but they’re a lot older than us,” said Snelgrove. “We’ve been to a few of the events, and we’re not allowed to join the team because of our age.”
In addition to a lack of opportunity for younger skaters, Garris and Snelgrove said that they often feel uncomfortable going to skateparks by themselves.
“But (if) there’s already a group of girls there and they’re doing their own thing (then) we can help each other make it less intimidating,” said Snelgrove. ”There’s definitely power in numbers.”
Garris and Snelgrove said they wanted to start a female-focused club because the skate scene can often be a male-dominated space.
“Hopefully in creating a female skating community, we’d feel more comfortable to go skating … and the gender divide would become more even,” Garris said.
Despite the emphasis on creating a female skate community, Garris and Snelgrove said they want people of all backgrounds, identities and skill levels to feel welcomed by their club.
“We’re keeping it open if you want to rollerblade, roller skate or skateboard,” said Snelgrove.
Informatics junior Precious said she has been skating for over a year and half and joined this club in an effort to improve her skills and make new friends.
“I don’t go skating very often because I don’t have anyone to go (with),” said Precious. “It’s easier to improve when you have someone that does the same thing because they’re able to teach you.”
Garris and Snelgrove said in the future they want to host Roll With Us events at skateparks, around campus and at local skate rinks.
“There’s definitely a community (here) … you just have to speak up,” said Snelgrove.