Hit Like a Girl: The RGV Bandidas

(This article was written by Roel Rodriguez and was featured in the June 2025 issue of Explore Harlingen Magazine.)

Roller Derby! It’s a sport that has been around forever. For some reason, I have always been intrigued by it and find this fast-paced, intense contact sport entertaining. Well, at least what I have seen in the movies and on television because I have never been to a live event. 

Fans could say they are drawn to the players, uniforms, action, music and storylines but, let’s be honest, I believe it’s the “contact” that draws its main fan base. 

As I was preparing for this article, I realized that I really didn’t know much about this sport or its culture. Fortunately, we have the RGV Bandidas roller derby team representing the entire 956 area.

I connected with Kayleigh Thomas who handles the marketing for the RGV Bandidas and graciously provided the content for this article. I asked her about the history of the sport. I was surprised that “bank tracked” roller derby began in the U.S. in the 1930s while “flat track” roller derby began in the early 2000s. The RGV Bandidas compete in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).

Photo by RGV Bandidas

Established in 2015, the RGV Bandidas is the only roller derby team in the RGV. Prior to merging, there were two RGV leagues: the South Texas Rolleristas and the Mactown Rebel Rollers. Due to Covid, tournaments and bouts were put on pause and the league is in a rebuilding phase. They currently have skaters with 0 to 12+ years of experience.  

The RGV Bandidas’ season started on May 4. Their next game will be at a tournament in Lubbock, Texas where they will be competing in the Governor’s Cup, which is a statewide tournament. Their next game against Monterrey Roller Derby will be on September 13. Location is yet to be determined.

For those interested in the sport, the RGV Bandidas are always recruiting new players. You must be at least 18 years old, but you do not need to know how to skate. The RGV Bandidas will train you. Also included in the training are rules of the game along with skating safety proficiency prior to moving on to the contact portion of the game. There is a $50 fee to try out and prospective players must have their own roller derby gear consisting of quad skates, elbow and knee pads, helmet, wrist guards, and mouth guard.

Photo by RGV Bandidas

All practice sessions and local bouts are held either in the McAllen or Harlingen area. In Harlingen, training and bouts are held at the Hot Skating Roller Rink located at 1320 N. 28th Street.

Those who want to attend an RGV Bandidas bout are charged $15 per person or two for $25 but children aged 5 and younger are free. Bouts are family friendly and open to fans of all ages. Bouts have concessions for sale along with a variety of local vendor craft tables and an RGV Bandidas merchandise shop.

Photo by Lisa Campos

Detailed information can be found at the RGV Bandidas’ Facebook and Instagram pages or by visiting their website at www.rgvbandidas.com. “Roller Derby 101” on their website is an informative page for the novice fan or prospective player. 

Of note, the RGV Bandidas do not have a junior league, but they plan to have one in the future.

The RGV Bandidas is a 100% player-owned and -operated team. They are always looking for an opportunity to conduct community events in the RGV and connect with sponsors. They are also recruiting “non-skating” individuals to serve as game officials or work at the main gate or the designated game penalty box. If you are interested in any of the above, please contact Kayleigh at rgvbandidas@gmail.com.

Photo by RGV Bandidas

I plan on attending the next RGV Bandidas roller derby bout and hope that you will join me. I look forward to witnessing the intensity, contact, and storylines of the bout and meeting the hard-working ladies who provide quality, family-friendly entertainment to our community.