Tazer Face 

#42

1. What Does Derby Mean to You?

For me, Derby means falling and failing and getting right back up and doing it again.

2. How long have you been a Coach, and how long have you been with WCDK/WCJK?

I have been skating as long as I’ve been a WCDK Slugger: 2 years.

3. Do you remember your first experience with Roller Derby? What was it?

My first experience was actually with the Junior Knockouts. I came with my niece who was considering joining the junior team. I was immediately wowed by what I saw: young people falling & getting up, young people jumping and gliding and being graceful and durable and cooperative and strong all at the same time. I saw people learning and growing and failing and succeeding all at once. And then…I went to my first adult Knockouts bout—everything was even MORE with the adults. The falls were harder, the grace was more stunning, the cooperation, durability and strength were off the charts. For the first time in my life, I wanted to actually try my hand at a sport.

4. Do you have a Pre-Bout Ritual?

Since I have yet to meet the minimum skills required to earn a position on the team, my pre-bout rituals involve helping out as much as I can (all while trying not to gawk at the women who play). Though I’m a Slugger, I consider these women my teammates and though I see them three nights a week, I am consistently in awe of all the strength and perseverance and down-right beauty they bring to the track. It’s hard to look away from them as they get gussied up (and geared up) for a bout.

5. What inspired you to remain a KnockOut?

I ask myself this same question almost every night…I think, ultimately, I can’t really give myself an excuse to stop. I’ve been trying to learn how to skate for two years; it’s difficult and painful and unfamiliar but, after almost every practice, I walk away knowing I fell (a lot) and failed (quite a bit) but also knowing I tried (a lot) and learned (quite a bit).

6. What do you remember about your first bout?

Nothing distinct. I remember this really tiny flutter in my gut encouraging me to try. I remember that flicker in my gut and my brain working so hard to ignore it and push it down. I have never been an athletic person…my brain was having no part of the shenanigans being suggested by this flickering in my tummy (and my heart).

7. Do you have a derby wife ?

Can I opt for polyamory on eight wheels?

8. Where do you see yourself in five years

I will definitely be five years older…hopefully, I’ll have assessed out of the Slugger program by then. Whether I do or not, I definitely want to stay connected to WCDK. Whether it’s reffing, cheering from the sidelines or working with other Sluggers, I definitely want to stay a part of this world.

9. What is your favorite derby position  

Right now, my favorite position is Upright with a bend in the knees….derby stance

10.  Any closing thoughts?

Gratitude, gratitude and more gratitude. The people in this league give and share and respect and trust and I am forever thankful