About Panhandle United Roller Derby (PanU)

Founded in 2008 as the Beach Brawl Sk8r Dolls, our league began with a mission to serve women and children in the community while playing roller derby in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Over the years, we achieved numerous milestones thanks to the dedication of our Board of Directors and league leaders. In 2017, the league underwent a significant transformation: the Beach Brawl Sk8r Dolls evolved into Panhandle United Roller Derby (PanU), with the Sk8r Dolls becoming our home team.

In 2017, we set our sights on becoming a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. This transition allowed us to serve our community better through volunteer work and financial contributions.

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, PanU is dedicated to advancing the sport of roller derby in the Florida Panhandle. We aim to foster national-level competition, develop amateur athletes for competitive play, and promote every athlete's physical, mental, and independent growth.

That same year, we opened our Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) charter roster through open tryouts to form a competitive team—the Panhandle United All-Star Unicorns. Today, the Unicorns are ranked 151 globally under the WFTDA, reflecting our growth and competitive spirit.

Our Vision

At Panhandle United Roller Derby (PanU), we aim to train and develop the best roller derby athletes, referees, non-skating officials, and teams in the Florida Panhandle. We are committed to equipping our members with the skills and knowledge to excel on the track and advance the roller derby sport. Our goal is to see our teams rise in the Women’s Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA) rankings, promoting the growth of roller derby both locally and internationally. By increasing access and opportunities for members and fans, we aim to foster a thriving roller derby community.

Our Mission

Panhandle United Roller Derby’s mission is to serve women, children, and our community. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we are dedicated to giving back through meaningful service projects and financial contributions. A portion of the proceeds from our local bouts (games) is donated to a local charity chosen by our league, reinforcing our commitment to making a positive impact.

Our league cultivates a strong sense of community among skaters, referees, officials, and volunteers through regular meetings, training sessions, and community service. We welcome individuals passionate about playing, learning, or contributing to the team sport of roller derby. We aim to help everyone, whether on skates or off, reach their fullest potential and make a difference both on and off the track.

Core Values

Welcome and Embrace Differences: We celebrate diversity and welcome people from all backgrounds into our community.
Inspire One Another: We strive to motivate and uplift each other on and off the track.
Respect the Game and Each Other: We uphold the integrity of roller derby and treat everyone with respect.
Make a Difference: We are committed to positively impacting the community and the sport of roller derby.
Bring Your Best Self: We encourage every member to bring their best to the league while fostering a culture of trust.
Play Strong, Train Smart: We believe in rigorous training and intense competition to advance our skills.
Have Fun While Progressing the Sport: We embrace the joy of the game as we work to grow and develop roller derby.

At PanU, we believe that through passion, dedication, and community, we can advance the sport of roller derby and create a positive, inclusive environment for everyone involved.