The Junior Roller Derby Association (JRDA) of Canada has named its head coach who will lead the national roller derby team. Caroline Reimer, head coach of the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild, will be traveling to France with the Canadian Junior Roller Derby team to compete in the 2023 JRDA World Cup.

This isn’t Reimer’s first experience with the national team. She was appointed assistant coach for the 2020 national team. However, the pandemic caused the cancellation of the world cup.

“Seeing the skaters miss out on their world cup experience during the pandemic was heartbreaking,” said Reimer. “Applying for the 2023 head coach position was important to me as I felt we did not get a chance to show the world what Canada has to offer. We have some unfinished business. I am thrilled for the opportunity to take it on.”

Looking toward the world cup in 2023, Reimer’s priorities are working with the rest of the coaching staff to build a team fit for international play.

“We are hosting in-person tryouts in Ontario and Alberta and it’s open to all genders. When we get to France in 2023, we’ll be playing against teams from the United States, France, Australia and Britain. It will be an unforgettable experience for all,” Reimer said.

In the meantime, Reimer’s attention is focused on preparing junior skaters in Lethbridge for tryouts, without giving away what to expect. 

“These skaters are motivated to work hard to earn their spot. The previous world cup team had six local skaters, so they know it’s within their reach,” Reimer said.

Reimer has been coaching with the Lethbridge Roller Derby Guild (LRDG) for 10 years. The league consists of an aged 8-17 junior program and 18 plus adult program. The LRDG will be accepting new skaters at registration on Sept. 14. Visit https://www.lethbridgerollerderby.ca/ for more information.