Bonnie Thunders

Background

Williams grew up in Rome, New York, where she attended the Rome Free Academy, before studying conservation biology with the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, linked to Syracuse University.

Career

After moving to New York City, Williams found roller derby and traded in her ice skates for roller skates. In 2006, Williams successfully tried out for the Gotham Girls Roller Derby, and was placed on their Bronx Gridlock team Although she worked for several years at a conservation charity, in 2010 she set up the Five Stride Skate Shop, a skater owned and operated roller skate shop in Brooklyn, New New York She currently holds the position of WFTDA Competition Manager.

In 2012, Bonnie elected to retire from the Bronx Gridlock team in order to focus on playing with the All Stars.

She was selected for Team United States of America at the 2011 and 2014 Roller Derby World Cup. She is double jointed, which she believes helps her maneuver while jamming.

Years skating: 14 years ice skating, 8 years roller skating Years playing derby: 8.

Achievements

• GGRD Rookie of the Year 2007 GGRD Best Jammer 2008 Bronx Gridlock Most Valuable Player 2008 WFTDA Regional Playoff (Derby in Dairyland) Most Valuable Player 2008 WFTDA Nationals (Northwest Knockdown) Most Valuable Player 2008 GGRD Best Jammer 2009 GGRD All Stars Most Valuable Player 2009 Bronx Gridlock Most Valuable Player 2010 GGRD Best Jammer 2010 GGRD All Stars Most Valuable Player 2010 GGRD League Most Valuable Player 2010 GGRD Best Jammer 2011 GGRD All Stars Most Valuable Player 2011 GGRD League Most Valuable Player 2011 GGRD Best Jammer 2012 GGRD League Most Valuable Player 2012 GGRD All Stars Most Valuable Player 2012 WFTDA Asheville Playoff Most Valuable Player 2013 GGRD Best Jammer 2013 GGRD League Most Valuable Player 2013 GGRD All Stars Most Valuable Player 2013.

Membership

She was a leading member of the college"s synchronized skating squad, the Syracuse Orange Experience, and also spent time playing soccer competitively. By 2009, Thunders was the captain of the Gotham Girls All Stars, and was also a member of the Women"s Flat Track Derby Association"s Tournaments Committee.