Dr. Pepper’s most recent advertising campaign focuses on individuals who are “One of a Kind.” One Park University employee is one of a kind and would fit well into one of the soda company’s famous commercials. Her name is Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Pawli.

Pawli, who has been in the U.S. Army National Guard for 13 years, has been a key player on the Kansas City Roller Warriors roller derby league for two years. She also raises her eight-year-old son Caiden and is an assistant instructor for Park’s ROTC program and National Guard recruiter.

Coming from a military family background, the National Guard was a logical step for Pawli. She said it helped pay for college and it was something she wanted to do, not just for her parents, but for herself as well.

“I wanted to create my own family,” said Pawli about joining the service, “But Basic (training) was harder than expected.”

While in the military, Pawli has made some life-long connections that would be hard to live without.

“Captain Brandon Crain was my person,” said Pawli, “and the bonds you make are so much more powerful.”

She said her work as a recruiter and ROTC instructor is important to her.

“I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives,” said Pawli, “and recruiting helped me do that. I get excited to see others achievements:”

From previous employment as a HR Tech, which in Pawli’s words is the “mom of the military”, to a recruiter was a good shift. She is now able to follow the careers of her soldiers, stay in contact and be there for her soldiers no matter how long it has been since she helped them join.

“As recruiters we are not assigned, we want to be here”, said Pawli, “so as long as we are successful, we can always stay on.”

After moving away from Kansas City in 2008, and a move back in 2011, Pawli decided to go and try out for the Kansas City Roller Warriors in 2012.

“I am a gypsy of sorts”, said Pawli, “and I’ve always loved skating but ice skating was too prissy for me”.

So roller derby it was and Pawli made the cut and was a new member to the Knockouts team.

The Knockouts were the underdogs of the KCRW but proved to a lot of people that hard work and desire can be the title game changer. Having battled for the chance to prove themselves, they finally got their chance.

“Nobody expected us to be good” said Pawli.

But despite being underestimated, the Knockouts placed second in the rankings losing only to the Black-Eyed Susans.

Since her first season with KCRW, Pawli has been redrafted and is the captain of her new team the Dreadnought Dorothys and her military background has been a big help, she said.

Pawli said it has boosted her confidence and helped her be a leader to the team that now looks to her for guidance.

“It’s really amazing playing derby,” she said. “Jade Lightning, one of the coolest people on the planet, was an idol when I just watched and now I get to skate with her. It’s validating.”

Pawli, who’s derby name is Road Hash because it “sounds hardcore”, is not only a Staff Sgt. and a hardcore roller derby captain but she does all of this while raising her son.

“I’ve been really lucky,” she said of son Caiden. “Work and derby take a lot of my time but we always have quality time.”

“Mom and Son date nights are a must,” said Pawli, “He loves roller derby and he’s proud I’m in the military. He says he wants to be in the military too.”

Like his mother, Caiden has an easy smile and a way with people.

“My son saved my life and he is my world,” said Pawli, “I am so lucky.”

• For more information about roller derby visit www.kcrollerwarriors.com
• To reach Staff Sgt. Pawli with questions regarding joining the Guard or questions call (816) 436-3432 and ask for her by name. For email she can be reached at [email protected]