How does anyone begin to describe the impact that number two thousand has had on Tri-City and the sport of modern flat track roller derby at large?

Perhaps we need to borrow a phrase from another fandom: Konky quite simply, is and was The People’s Champion. Ask the children at the bout who they are here to see, and the answer is clear. The die-hards in lawn chairs and blankets always hope that Konky jumps some bodies in the warm-up. They may still do for some time to come.

Self-taught, self-aware and eyes on the prize, Konky directed her own career with enviable candour. If it wasn’t right, she didn’t do it.

Always a showboat but never a slow boat, she remains the epitome of a skater who always understood the connection between skater and fan.

Long live derby, and long live the legacy of Konky.

By: Lightning Slim, Tri-City Roller Derby announcer

An OG skater who started in January 2008, Konky skated her last game with the Venus Fly Tramps at the Beast of the East Tournament April 28-29. For more photos, visit our Facebook page.