Birthday
Tribute to Judy From Gary Powers of the NRDHOF
Roller Derby Hall-of-Famer Judy Arnold
Celebrates 67th Birthday on August 6, 2011
with Gala Event in Redding, California
When JUDY ARNOLD donned the number sixty-seven uniform of the crimson-and-gold jerseyed HAWAIIAN WARRIORS
in 1967 as the team relocated to the East Coast, she had already established herself, within six short
years, as one of the most talented young stars of Roller Derby . This California native had been the
sport's 'Rookie-of-the-Year' with the SAN FRANCISCO BAY BOMBERS in 1961 and had received the same honor
with Roller Games in 1963, offering everyone a glimpse that she might be one of the greatest skaters of all-time.
But as Warrior captain, 'Pretty Judy' would become the foundation of the Warrior franchise, captivating the
hearts of the cynical sports media and endearing herself to legions of Derby fans all along the East Coast.
Judy Arnold had become a Roller Derby superstar and what everyone had expected her to be.
It seemed as if there was nothing Arnold couldn't do - she was her team's top scorer, one of the defensive
giants of the league and the only skater who could sell out an arena by simply accepting a match race
challenge. By 1972, Judy and Coach BUDDY ATKINSON, Jr. had made the Warriors into the most talented
and powerful team in the banked track sport, the most 'Derby' team in National. It was the same year
Judy doubled for actress Raquel Welch in the movie, KANSAS CITY BOMBER, an assignment that would change
her life for it allowed her to consider there might be other ways to reach and inspire an even larger
audience.
By the time Judy Arnold turned thirty, she was the most respected and best all-around skater on the
banked track. But at the pinnacle of her career, she made the decision to turn her life over to
Jesus Christ, leaving Roller Derby to become an ordained minister. Over the past thirty-five years,
she has offered herself as a vessel of hope and change, comforting countless souls and becoming a
beacon of clarity to everyone she meets.
Judy Arnold's compassion, love and generosity continue to be a shining light in a challeng ing and
complicated world. In 2004, she was inducted into the National Roller Derby Hall of Fame and
continues to inspire those who dream of following in her footsteps, whether it be on roller skates
or in service to the Lord. She is considered by many to be the greatest Roller Derby star of all time.
Her life off the track, serving mankind and spreading the word of the Lord, is about embracing the
love and goodness that is within each of us and becoming all God wants us to be.
When the National Roller Derby Hall of Fame & Museum reopened in September,
2004, JUDY ARNOLD was one of the first new inductees alongside JOAN WESTON,
JULIE PATRICK and JUDY SOWINSKI, three women who had nurtured her and provided
her with some of the best competition. Many will tell you she was the best of
the best, ranking right up there with GERRY MURRAY & MIDGE 'Toughie' BRASUHN.
That we got to see her week-after-week in Philadelphia with the Warriors was an
unexpected and profound gift. That we continue to experience the wonder of Judy
Arnold is a blessing indeed. She will always be one of the greatest ladies in
the history of Roller Derby and one of God's most divine creations.
Judy Arnold is an inspiration to all who have been in her presence and on Saturday, August 6, 2011,
on her 67th birthday... family, friends and fans from around the world celebrated this amazing
lady at an event hosted by the Redding (CA.) Roller Girls.
Thank you, Judy for all you have been and continue to be.
God bless you forever.
~ Gary Powers ♥
Executive Director
National Roller Derby Hall of Fame & Museum
New York City
