Calvello was arguably the most notable roller derby athlete. She participated in the sport from the 1940s through the 2000s. She started out, in 1948, playing in the International Rollerspeedway league. She was known for her aggressive temper, throwing elbows, pulling hair, and body slamming often. She was also known for her outrageous look, having died her hair and wearing flashy clothes. She broke her nose 12 times during her roller derby career, and was nicknamed “Banana Nose.”
She first retired in 1968. Following her retirement, she was named to the Roller Derby Hall of Fame. The documentary film, Demon of the Derby was produced in 2001 to share Calvellows story. The book, Roller Derby Classics, offered photos and clippings offered and written by Calvello. She was also featured on the A&E Network show, Rollergirls, in 2006. TXRD named their championships the Calvello Cup in honor of Ann.
In 2006, she was diagnosed with liver cancer. That same year, at the age of 76, Calvello passed away.
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