Cindy Luberto Scholarship
Scholarship Sponsored by Connecticut Roller Derby
Connecticut Roller Derby presents the Cindy Luberto Scholarship for Women and Non-Binary Individuals in Sports
Overview
Established in 2012, the Cindy Luberto Scholarship honors a committed and passionate Connecticut athlete—regardless of which sport they play. Many of our league members discovered their athletic identities through roller derby, while others bring long histories of competitive involvement. Connecticut Roller Derby values all forms of athletic dedication, whether someone competes on a high-level team or participates in recreational, intramural, or community sports.
Kathleen Ebner (skater name: Ebolution), a former player with the Connecticut Yankee Brutals and a Physical Education and Health teacher at Woodland Regional High School, observes that athletes come from diverse backgrounds and should all be celebrated. Alison Faruolo (Babe Vigoda), formerly a blocker for the Yankee Brutals, adds that discovering a sport can be life-changing—this award commemorates that spirit and is named in memory of Cindy Luberto, sister of former league member Jill Luberto (Paula G. ImNaughty).
Contact: [email protected]
Purpose
This scholarship was created to acknowledge Women and Non-Binary athletes in Connecticut who demonstrate enthusiasm and commitment to their sport—traditional or non-traditional—and who enrich their communities through athletic participation.
Award Details
- First Place: $1,000 (one-time, non-renewable). Funds will be sent directly to the recipient’s college or university after fall 2025 enrollment is verified. Money may be applied to tuition, fees, and other education-related costs.
- Runner-Up: $500 (one-time, non-renewable). Paid directly to the institution upon verification of fall 2025 enrollment for the same eligible uses.
- All entries will be reviewed by members of Connecticut Roller Derby (CTRD). Finalists and winners are selected by a league vote. Applicants and their recommenders may be contacted by email or for a brief telephone interview for verification or clarification.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Identify as a woman or non-binary and be a student-athlete participating in recreational, community, or school athletics in 2025. Because of extenuating circumstances this year, athletes who competed in 2024 and were preparing to play in 2025 are also eligible even if they are not currently able to play.
- Be enrolled at a Connecticut college or university for Fall 2025, or be a Connecticut resident attending any college or university for Fall 2025.
- Submit a 250-word essay explaining their passion for their sport, highlighting what makes their sport or participation unique.
- Include a photograph of themselves either in action or otherwise representing their sport.
- Agree to let Connecticut Roller Derby, Inc. use the submitted materials and photograph for promotional purposes.
- Ensure both the application and the required recommendation are submitted by Saturday, May 31, 2025 at 11:59 PM EST.
Ineligible: Current or past members of Connecticut Roller Derby, and immediate family members of any current CTRD member.
How to Apply
- Preferred: Complete the online submission at the 2025 CTRD Online Scholarship Application.
- Alternate: Email completed materials to [email protected].
Notification & Recognition
Winners will be notified by the beginning of June 2025. CTRD hopes to recognize scholarship recipients in person at the June 21, 2025 home bout in East Haven, CT, if the winners are available to attend.