An Interview with…Duality

What about derby caught your attention? When did you first start playing?

I first found roller derby when i was in third grade on YouTube. I watched the WFTDA champs and I fell in love. However, at the time I was involved with Martial Arts so I couldn’t pursue derby. I first started playing right after covid lockdowns were lifted, and I was in love ever since.

What was that “one moment” when you knew playing derby was the right thing for you?

It was my first scrimmage and I was jamming for the first time. I was so scared, but my best friend, Pound Cake, was my pivot. We had a really good plan and she talked to me so calmly. And we ended up executing the plan perfectly! I got lead jam and it was all around a great game. Pound Cake and I are still extremely close, and she’s currently an amazing jammer for SDB Galaxy.

What’s something you’ve learned playing derby that has translated into another part of your life?

Super fast problem solving has been a game changer for me— especially when it comes to college and being a very new adult. I’ve noticed that things can change within an instant, and because of derby I am able to have an easier time adapting by thinking of quicker solutions— because in rollerderby you are always changing your plan!

Do you have a favorite & a least favorite position? Can you elaborate?

I don’t think I have favorite— Honestly as long as I’m on the track I am super happy. If I had to pick a least favorite it would have to be doing Offense on my own. I prefer doing Offense with a buddy! But I think that’s because I’m not 100% confident in my O skills.

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

I try and train 5 days a week even if I don’t have a bout coming up— so about a week before the bout I go slightly harder in my training. I really enjoy jogging and cross country, and I have to walk to my gym anyways, so I start my workout with a 5 minute run from my house to the gym. Then each day I change my workout. I usually start my week off with biceps and triceps and more cardio, then I move onto my whole legs, then at the end of my week I focus on my abs and balancing exercises for extra core strength. Usually the day or two before a bout I also go to the roller rink to get comfortable in my skates— as well as listening to good music. The day of the bout I do a light workout with heavier weights to build my resistance up. Then of course I do some stretching! I make sure to drink tons of water (ps. If you struggle with drinking water get a hello kitty water bottle. It changed everything for me). And eat a shit ton of protein focused food!!!

What advice would you give to someone thinking about playing derby?

DO IT!! Just try! I think something I hear a lot of people say is “I don’t want to get hurt” which is fair, but countering that, you can get hurt doing any sport. Or anything in general! The beautiful thing about derby is you are covered in pads! You start slow and you build so much muscle- not only physically but mentally. You learn resilience. My biggest piece of advice is don’t get discouraged when you fall, because you are always going to get back up. And you are going to fall over and over and over again and you will rise to the occasion every time. And everytime you fall you will learn something! You will learn to be aware of your body and you will learn how to change your mindset! Roller Derby is just beautiful.

Finish this sentence: When I’m not playing derby, I am _____.

Drawing, writing, playing video games, and doing ungodly amounts of homework.

Do you have a derby mentor?

I have had many mentors in my derby life, and I will list off all of them now. Krusher #860 was my first skater coach, and I think they changed my life. They were on Galaxy for many years, and now they are on Jet City! My other mentor is my previous coach Tem. A kind soul that was funny, patient, and passionate. He always pushed us to our limits in the best way possible— even when it came to warmups. I would not be on this team if I wasn’t taught by him. And my current mentors are all of my teammates and coaches! Every piece of advice I have been given has made me a better skater, I am always hungry to learn more!

What keeps you motivated to keep playing when things get tough?

My biggest motivation would have to be my boyfriend, Damian. I think he steals the #1 fan spot, which is so sweet. He is also a very active guy, so I get a lot of athletic advice from him. He believes in me when I don’t, and he’s always watching my games! So it inspires me and motivates me to not only make myself proud, but make him proud too. And when I think about him when derby gets tough, it doesn’t seem so bad.

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

The extremely welcoming and kind people! From day one I have felt accepted and loved, and it is an honor to skate with such wise, beautiful people. I still have so much to learn, and they are always teaching me so much. I couldn’t be prouder of playing for this amazing league.

Any last bit of advice you'd like to give people??

Try new things! Put yourself out there. Take chances. It won’t always work out, but isn’t that great? Savior those wins, and learn from those losses. Also off skate training WORKS!!! Even if you’re just going for a jog … it helps build your tolerance !!!!

How did you pick your derby name?

I saw Slipknot live when my life nearly hit rock bottom, and the speech Corey Taylor gave the audience moved me so much— but what meant more to me was meeting his wife. She told me how beautiful I was, which meant the world to me because I didn’t feel beautiful. She also gave But in that moment, any self doubt or shame I felt vanished. And though I don’t listen to Slipknot as much as I used to, the band holds the most special place in my heart.

How did you pick your derby number?

When I picked my number I was really into Blink 182, and I don’t listen to them like I used to but it’s such a recognizable number! It’s like a radar to attract cool people.