National Roller Derby League

We here at the National Roller Derby League are pleased to honor Gwen Miller as our "Spotlight" individual.

Gwen Miller's image and reputation is normally the first image most have come to recoginize over the years when one bring's up her nickname: "Skinny Minnie." In fact, she may possibly be the most famous "Skinny Minnie" of all time! Don't believe it? Try a simple test.. ask a stranger who "Skinny Minnie" is. Nine times out of ten, they will reply "The Roller Skater?" Indeed, Gwen Miller's thirty-five-plus year career within rollersports speaks itself. She has donned many jerseys in that amount of time, however, it would be safe to consider her a true T-Bird forever.

Gwen Miller, This is your life...

History

Gwen Miller's start in the sport of roller derby is one that few like her have traveled. In an age of changing times, she shined amongst the highest regarded athletes on the planet. With the likes of a Ruberta Mitchell, a Gayle Bowers, a Mary-Ann Carr, (just to name some) Gwen Miller is placed on the short list of black females who have contributed to the roller sport. Ask any professional and they'll tell you, "it's one thing to join the workforce. It's another thing to remain there." Gwen Miller has withstood the trials of time, and STILL continues to grace this sport, as not just a performer, but also as a mentor and an inspiration to many young ladies AND men alike aspiring to become a part of roller derby.

Gwen raises arms in victory! Her stint as part of the world champion Los Angeles Thunderbirds has been "never-ending." Be assured that for as long as the T-Birds exist, the "Skinny Minnie" name will not be too far away. Being coached by Ralphie Valladares during the earlier part of her Roller Derby career, she had exceeded all expectations by teammate and critic alike and soon found herself being the captain of the team, being looked at highly in the same regards as the legends that preceded her. She would join her coach in the late 80's as co-captains of the World Alliance of Rollersport's (WAR) own brand of L.A. T-Birds. You can see in the picture (right), Gwen Miller being congratulated by fellow team-mate "Corker" Debbie McCorkell after a successful jam. With her #1 Jersey, American flag and trademark goggles, it was common during the syndication of "Rollergames" to see Gwen Miller as the very first skater introduced when the T-Birds would play.

Skinny Minnie and Sweet Stephanie tangle! The nickname, "Skinny Minnie," was not surprising considering Miller's light frame. Those who've skated against her will offer different stories telling those not to sell her short. With her size, she was quite an asset being able to easily squeeze past opponents for quick points. To non-believers, Gwen can pack a punch just as easily as the next person and can mix it up with the best of them. In this picture (left) she takes the Violator's own "Sweet" Stephanie Garcia, known for her own excessively-abusive and physical demeanor, to her limits!

Gwen Miller and Gayle Bowers

Today

In 2003, Miller married long-time roller-derby teammate and fellow T-bird skater, Sam Washington, and even has a daughter possibly looking to follow her mother's footsteps into the world of roller-derby. It's still common to see Gwen skating today as an L.A. Star or a Bay Bomber, but her roots will forever stay firmly planted in T-Bird soil. It's truly hard to find someone who hasn't heard of her, and even harder to find those who would have a dislike for her. Even the overly-bitter Gayle Bowers (on right-side) found time to share a smile with Miller (on left-side) and a fan during an appreciation ceremony. An all-around great individual, Gwen Miller, we tip our hats off to you.