The 2011 Roller Derby Rankings reflected a sport that was maturing fast. Teams were more competitive. Travel schedules were tougher. And fan interest in national standings had never been higher. The top spots continued to shift as upsets and breakout performances shaped the season.
These rankings were released just months before the 2011 WFTDA Championships. They provided an important snapshot of momentum heading into the postseason.
“Together we roll, together we grow.”
Top 5 Teams in August 2011
- Gotham Girls Roller Derby (New York, NY)
After a strong showing in the early season, Gotham reclaimed the top spot. Their defense was nearly flawless, and their jammers consistently delivered. - Oly Rollers (Olympia, WA)
Still powerful after their 2009 title, Oly continued to dominate West Coast play. They remained undefeated heading into late summer. - Rocky Mountain Rollergirls (Denver, CO)
Known for physical play and experience, Rocky stayed in the top tier despite several close bouts. - Bay Area Derby (San Francisco, CA)
B.A.D. earned their position with big wins over mid-ranked teams and a solid showing against top-five opponents. - Texas Rollergirls (Austin, TX)
Consistent as always, Texas held its ground and posed a serious threat heading into the playoffs.
System of Ranking
The 2011 Roller Derby Rankings combined public bout results, WFTDA-sanctioned data, and panel input from long-time analysts. Factors included:
- Win-loss records
- Strength of opponents
- Point differentials
- Recent performance trends
This created a clear picture of which teams were rising and which ones needed to adjust before the playoffs.
What Made 2011 Different
This year felt different. The skill gap between top teams and middle-tier leagues had narrowed. Training programs improved. Penalty control got tighter. And every major tournament was watched closely by fans and skaters alike.
The 2011 Roller Derby Rankings were used by many to predict WFTDA playoff brackets, and most predictions proved accurate.
From the Archives
This ranking helped capture a turning point in roller derby — when the sport truly started to feel national, competitive, and organized.
Learn more about the 2011 World Cup here.