Contents of Ballantyne Magazine - SPRING 2012

Ballantyne Magazine covers news, events, real estate, restaurants, shopping, health, schools and business in the upscale Ballantyne Area of Charlotte, NC.

Page 84 of 99

BALLANTYNE, BY REPUTATION, CATERS TO GOLF AND TENNIS enthusiasts. Brandi Efird would like to change that. The 29-year-old Ballantyne resident participates in roller derby with the Charlotte Speed Demons, a local team that practices in Ballantyne at 9 Round Gym, located at the intersection of Ardrey Kell and Marvin roads. The team — at every level — strives to be professional, shattering the stereotypical imagery that goes along with roller derby. There are no stage names here. Gaudy makeup is prohibited, and proper uniforms are required.
"Our players are athletes," says Craig Bailey, president of Charlotte-based Race City Roller Derby. "They want to be recognized for their activity and their accomplishments on the track, not for their derby name." Efird raced on inline skates while growing up. Once out of her teens, she was looking for something else to do while staying in skates, and happened on roller derby. Her sister actually discovered the sport when she bumped into a few members of the Charlotte-based team. Knowing that Brandi
was actively seeking a new athletic challenge, her sister made the recommendation. "I did not know anything about it," Efird recalls. "My sister pretty much signed me up, and had me there. It did sound interesting, so I checked it out. I've been hooked ever since."
A Contact Sport Efird, a full-time dental
assistant, says it's a full- contact sport. "You do get hit," she notes with a sly grin. But Bailey emphasizes that safety is the top priority of the professional league. "Part of the training process is
CHARLOTTE SPEED DEMONS TRAIN IN BALLANTYNE
Time SPRING 2012 BALLANTYNE MAGAZINE 83
By Sean O'Connell Photos by Shane Baskin