By Maggie Nicol ’25

If you are looking for something to watch over winter break, check out Marshon Shepard ’25 competing in “Roller Jam.” All episodes are now streaming on MAX. 

In a dazzling display of skill and artistry, Otterbein University’s very own Marshon Shepard ’25 performed on HBO Max’s first-ever skating series called “Roller Jam.” The show reminds everyone why skating is more than a sport but an art form. 

“Roller Jam” premiered on Oct. 10 and is hosted by singer Jordin Sparks. The show features 10 teams competing for the title of America’s Best Roller Dancing Team along with a cash prize. Shepard is one of four members of Haus of SK8, an all-Black queer skating squad. 

“One of the things that made us stand out was our splits. Splits were something that was attention-grabbing and very athletic, and it always impressed the judges and the crowd,” Shepard said.  

The name “Haus of SK8” is a nod to iconic ballroom culture, where “houses” are safe havens and support systems for those who identify as LGBTQ+. From the moment that Haus of SK8 stepped onto the rink, their passion and energy were a magnet not only to viewers but to the judges, as well. 

“It was very empowering and definitely emotional for me to understand the impact that this has not only on me but everybody in the Black and queer community and those that will see the show everywhere in the world,” Shepard said. 

On top of his skating career, Shepard is a senior communication major. Filming for the series primarily took place in New Orleans between Feb. 22 and March 23, 2024.  

He was able to balance filming and school by using this opportunity as an academic internship, seeing how a television show is produced behind-the-scenes and relating his experiences to what he has learned in the classroom. 

Shepard, a Columbus, OH, native, started his skating career at a young age. “I started going with my school, then I began to have a passion outside of that. I started going to teen night at the rink and then graduated to adult night where I could truly work at this new hobby,” he said. 

By being on “Roller Jam,” he has formed new relationships and friendships and gained recognition within the community because of his talent. This has impacted his life and career and has allowed him to understand the talent that he has outside of skating.  

“A piece of advice I will give to somebody who wants to start competitive roller skating is to first off, start skating, then gradually work at it like you would anything else to reach the goals that you set for yourself. Also, don’t get discouraged if you’re not progressing as fast as others; take it at your own pace and continue to nourish it,” he said.