SKATER OF THE MONTH

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.

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

My first bout 3 years ago and ,recently coming back to practice from my 9 month injury I was struggling with not being where I wanted athletically and my team/pals were my biggest supporters when returning and reminding me why I joined, and love this sport

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

Take smaller steps if you need to and being patient with myself. I've always been one to leap into things because I thought I had to. Derby is really teaching me to slow down to get it right and be confident in my ability to do something.

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

sooooo much! Get back up, don’t give up on yourself, surround yourself with good people, take time for yourself, be patient with yourself and others, don’t leave the pack!!

Do you have a favorite & a least favorite position?
Jammer because it feels like a game of tag on skates, don’t like being pivot since I always forget when I am lol

Do you have a favorite & a least favorite derby position?

Definitely jamming. That's my favorite position. I'm a girl who likes to go fast. Otherwise, I don't have an opinion! I'm still learning, haha.

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

I’m motivated by knowing that there’s really nothing else like derby

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

I started playing on the banked track. So I would say the first time I got hip checked into the rail.

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

Back in 2005 there were some people in my hometown talking about starting a roller derby team. I thought it sounded like so much fun, but I didn't happen. Fast forward to 2015 I saw a flyer for VCDD and became immediately obsessed and decided to join fresh meat.

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

Playing with my besties, traveling to away bouts when Sugar forgets to draw in one of her eyebrows when we’re about to go to dinner!! Those thousands of belly laughs are priceless!!

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

Literally do it. You are capable of so much and you’ll surprise yourself all the time. I’ve become so much stronger and more in-tune with my body, and derby is such a cool sport in that there isn’t just one body type that is successful in derby. Everyone is welcome and everyone is appreciated.

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

Oh man, right now, all positions are terrifying. I get stiff in the legs when I'm nervous so the captains only put me in the center of tripods in games. In practice, I love to jam even if I don't get through. Blocking is really fun too, until Fatal sends you to the floor.