In 2011, I tried out for a roller derby league — and I made it. Pretty ironic for the girl who fractured her arm roller skating in second grade.

My friends dragged me to a roller derby bout. We watched bedazzled women skate in circles, knocking their opponents down. A skater handed me a flyer for tryouts, and I knew I had to do it.

I went to the skate shop and bought the gear. Without any skating skills, I showed up ready to learn. Dozens of women were present cloaked in attitude, booty shorts, and bold makeup. Adrenaline pumped, and I felt alive.

Playing roller derby taught me more than expected; here's what:

Taking risks changes how you feel about yourself.

Donning my helmet and skates made me feel confident, empowered, and badass. The euphoria of my bolstered self-esteem drove me to attend every practice.

I learned that dedication and tenacity pay off. And that it's always worthwhile to invest in yourself.

Adults can be athletic, too — even if you've never played sports.

High school cheerleading was the extent of my athletic career until I was 23, when I made the league. I realized I was athletic.

Roller derby led to a fitness career and gave me the lasting confidence to take up ice hockey without any experience a decade later.

Women are not delicate.

We are fierce friends and competitors. We are savage in our pursuits and stronger than society gives us credit for.

Playing sports changed my belief in what I can accomplish — Anything.