Featured Skater -
Killeesi #3
-- Started playing derby
I showed up to my first practice April 6, 2017. Just hit my 2 year derbyversary.
​
-- Team
South Jersey Roller Derby and Bruised Beauties
-- How did you choose your derby name & number?
I love Game of Thrones so basically just Khaleesi + violent puns and I got Killeesi and I picked 3 for her 3 dragons
​
-- What led you to roller derby?
I was hanging out at home with my fiance who was watching Family Guy and there was a roller derby episode. I said to him "I wanna do that!" And he was supportive but cautioned me to think about it for a week or so because I couldn't even skate and he didn't want me to get hurt. So naturally I immediately googled leagues in my area and the next day I shot SJRD an email. 2 days after my little impulsive thought I was at my first practice.
​
-- What was your biggest hurdle when you first started derby?
I couldn't skate if my life depended on it! I had to shuffle inch by inch in my rental skates. I was never much of an athlete so I wasn't surprised that I struggled with this for a long time. But I had small goals for myself: skate across the width of the rink without falling, then the length and then finally skate a full lap.​
​
-- What does being a South Jersey Roller Derby member mean to you?
South Jersey Derby means strength and support. The whole team is so encouraging and every single person has their own unique strengths that they bring to the track that make them a great player. And even off the track, I know I can count on them if I need help or I'm struggling. All of our players are lifted up by each other to be strong not just physically, but mentally too.
​
-- What would you recommend for a new rookie joining the league?
Just go for it! Derby can be scary and intimidating especially to a brand new skater but I promise it is the most rewarding thing you will ever do.
​
-- What is your derby goal?
Right now my goal is to not let my injury slow me down and to return to and even surpass the level I was at before I hurt my knee last September. It's been tough and frustrating but I have the most incredible teammates that push me to keep going and never give up while also making sure I am looking out for myself and don't do more than I should be yet.
​
-- What's a little known fact about yourself?
Along with Mos Deathly, I make a lot of the promo materials for our team! So like flyers and banners. This year I even got to design the t shirts that were sold at MADE Nationals.
​
-- Any notes you'd like to share?
I want to thank SJRD for being my weird little family for the past 2 years. From day one I was welcomed with open arms and knew that these people were special. These are the some of the best people I have ever known and I am so happy that they are in my life and pushing me to be better every day.