Started Playing Derby: January 2014

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Team:  South Jersey Roller Derby Travel Team, Kill Scouts

 

How did you choose your derby name & number?

All of the famous badass feminists were taken, so I opted for an homage to my posterior and a national landmark (since I work in politics).

 

What led you to roller derby?
I saw pictures of a friend playing. I was still moving around a bunch for work, so I promised myself I would join once I was settled somewhere.

 

What was your biggest hurdle when you first started derby?

Keeping up with everyone. I was never a good runner, so endurance was never my thing. It took a long time to overcome!

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What does being a South Jersey Roller Derby member mean to you?

I have traveled a lot for derby as a referee and have met so many people from different leagues, and I am always proud to hear how much people respect us. Being a SJD member means I am part of something I and others think is good. We take anyone who wants to get better and be a real team player. It also makes me super cool to people who don't play.

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What would you recommend for a new rookie joining the league?

Don't get discouraged. I teach our rookie program, and I am constantly letting them know how long it took me to get down some basic skills (and that I still don't have some down that great!). Some people are just awesome, some people will get there in time, and some people will use a different skill to compensate. Are you having fun? Is everyone being nice to you? Did you break anything? That's all you need to worry about.

 

What is your derby goal?

I want to play ALL THE POSITIONS! I've had a taste of jamming, and I want to do it in the big leagues!

 

Any notes you'd like to share?

Just some advice: Get involved at any level. Between injuries and temporary work in other states, I knew it would take me a while to qualify to play, so I became a referee. I have not sat on the side of a single game since I started. Ref, bench coach, stats, announcing - get in there and do it, and you’ll always have something to do that people need you to do until you can play regularly.

 

​What is a fun fact about yourself?

I was in a Christian clown troupe in middle school. Yes, there are pictures.I was in a Christian clown troupe in middle school. Yes, there are pictures.