2025 Cindy Luberto Sports Scholarship

Now accepting applications for 2025!

Deadline is Saturday, May 31 @ 11:59PM EST

Connecticut Roller Derby is proud to offer the Cindy Luberto Scholarship for Women/Non-Binary Individuals in Sports!

Established in 2012, this scholarship recognizes a dedicated and enthusiastic Connecticut athlete

who has a passion for their sport, whatever it may be.

“Many of our skaters did not consider themselves athletes before finding roller derby, while others have a long history of participating and succeeding in sports. We think it is important to celebrate all types of athletes who embrace their passion for their sport, regardless of whether they are the star of a competitive team or a participant in less structured recreational or intramural sports,” says Kathleen Ebner, who skated under the name Ebolution, a former player for Connecticut’s Yankee Brutals and Physical Education and Health teacher at Woodland Regional High School.

“Being passionate about an activity can change a person’s life. Our skaters have found something special in roller derby, and we want to celebrate that spirit with this scholarship,” says Alison Faruolo (Babe Vigoda), a former blocker for the Yankee Brutals. “The award is named for Cindy Luberto, the late sister of one of our league’s most positive and supportive former members, Jill Luberto (Paula G. ImNaughty).”

For additional information, email scholarship@ctrollerderby.com

About the Scholarship

Athletic skaters may come from many backgrounds and enjoy a variety of sports, but often only those excelling in more traditional sports receive recognition with athletic awards and scholarships. The members of Connecticut Roller Derby believe that sports (traditional or non-) can be an important part of a well-rounded life, and value the diversity of experience that each of its members contributes to roller derby and sporting community. In that spirit, CTRD has created this scholarship opportunity to recognize Women/Non Binary athletes in Connecticut who have a passion for their sport, whatever it may be.

Prize

First Place: $1,000 non-renewable scholarship, paid directly to the educational institution upon verification of enrollment in the fall semester, for use toward tuition, fees, and education-related expenses.

Runner-Up: $500 non-renewable scholarship, paid directly to the educational institution upon verification of enrollment in the fall semester, for use toward tuition, fees, and education-related expenses.

All submissions will be reviewed by members of the CTRD and winners will be determined by a league vote. Applicants and recommenders may be contacted for verification or clarification of information by email or brief telephone interview.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must:

be a woman identifying/non-binary student athlete, participating in recreational, community, or school athletics in 2025. Due to extenuating circumstances this year, any athlete who played in 2024 and was preparing to play in 2025 will also be accepted, regardless of if they are currently enabled to play.
be attending a Connecticut college or university in the Fall of 2025, or be a Connecticut resident attending any college or university in the Fall of 2025.
provide a 250-word essay describing their passion for the sport that they play, with emphasis on the unique nature of their sport, or their participation in that sport.
provide a photograph of themselves in action or representing their sport.
agree to allow Connecticut Roller Derby, Inc., to use submitted information and photograph in promotional materials.
complete and submit your recommendation and the application by Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:59PM EST.

Past or current members of CTRD or the immediate family of any current CTRD member are ineligible.

How to Submit

Submit application materials for the scholarship using the online form: 2025 CTRD Online Scholarship Application
Online entries are preferred, however, you may also submit your entry by email to scholarship@ctrollerderby.com

*Winner will be notified by the beginning of June. CTRD would like to recognize the winners at the June 21, 2025 home bout in East Haven, CT if they are available to attend.