Napowtown Roller Derby, the competitive roller derby league in Indianapolis, is mourning the loss of former coach Rick. The Roller Derby team competes nationally through two teams, the Tornado Sirens and the Warning Bells.
Rick passed away on Thursday Morning, September 4, 2025, and his family, friends, and students will definitely miss his kindness and humility.
The team has not yet disclosed the cause of Rick’s passing, nor the family members.
The Naptown posted an emotional message on its Social Media,
“We are sad to announce that beloved former Naptown Coach Rick passed away this morning. We will forever be grateful for his friendship, mentorship, and devotion to this team. He will be sorely missed and our hearts go out to the rest of his friends, family, and loved ones. Thank you Coach Rick, for all you’ve done for NRD.”
A Great Mentor
Coach Rick was a significant factor behind the rise of Naptown Roller Derby over the years. Many fans, students, and relatives have offered prayers and condolences.
“Rest In Power, Coach Rick. We are so very sorry, friends,” wrote one of our old mates. Julia Spalding, Rick’s former student, was also left heartbroken after getting the news.
She wrote, “I have such fond memories of Coach Rick and Naptown. I’m so sorry to hear this.”
Numerous other individuals have also praised his kindness. “That’s heartbreaking. He was such a great human!” another one added.
Other tributes were, “Much love to the Naptown family, my deepest condolences to you,” “Many prayers for families and friends.” and many more.
Joan Dark, another student and big admirer of Rick has poisted an emotional tribute for the late Coach.
“I posted about this on my other account as well, but this is a true derby heartbreak. Coach Rick was a vital part of Naptown Roller Derby history. He and Karen stepped in and were exactly what we needed when we needed it.”
The former student also knew about the disease and sooner or later it was bound to happen.
He added, “We put together a scrapbook for him when we heard he was sick, and looking through these pictures made me realize what a truly special time this was in my derby career. We loved the sport and were serious, but still held onto the theatrics and let things be a little silly sometimes.”
He also said the coach Rick was one of the best coaches he has played for. He wrote “Rick and Karen trained us like athletes and had us run drills, pyramids, and plays until our muscles were jelly, then came up with intros for us to skate out to that would get the crowd laughing and cheering.”
“I knew it was coming. We’ve all known. And I still cried hard when I saw the news. May we all be the kind of person to have an impact in peoples lives like this,” the student ended.
Coach Rick has been a father figure and a brilliant coach for hundreds of students for their 5V5 Jams, and he will definitely stay in their hearts. He also shared a great passion for sports and was a lifelong fan of Roller Derby.
The family will likely hold the final rites privately in Indianapolis, Indiana, as no details have been released yet.
