Erica Voges

My passion for fitness is fueled by coaching Junior Roller Derby and watching young athletes grow in confidence, strength, and self-belief. Being a role model pushes me to lead by example and show that strength evolves through every stage of life. Fitness has taught me to love my body through change and gives me the ability to keep doing what I love—skating, climbing, running, and lifting—while staying strong, capable, and resilient for the long term.

I train through joyful movement. Roller derby—both playing and officiating on skates—keeps me agile, powerful, and mentally sharp. I climb for functional strength and coordination, lift weights to build resilience and prevent injury, and run and hike to support endurance. Variety keeps me balanced, engaged, and connected to what my body can do rather than how it looks.

I would reinvest it directly into the roller derby community that shaped me. Part of the funds would support travel so I can continue officiating Junior Roller Derby events and mentoring young athletes. The rest would go to my local 501(c)(3) roller derby league to help secure consistent indoor practice space in Albuquerque—creating a safer, more stable environment that supports athlete development and long-term growth.