"I want to be the best I can be"

How did you get into derby?
I was experiencing a lack of danger in my life after a brief career performing the sideshow arts with the amazing Twisted Trystan. We had the opportunity to travel and be a part of America’s Got Talent season 5. Shortly after the show and our split as a team I went to an OPCDG bout and knew derby was something I wanted and needed to pursue. Shod N. Froyda invited me to come to recruitment, so I did. And I was HOOKED!

You're a yoga instructor, how has this helped you with roller derby?
Yoga has taught me balance, agility, and flexibility all of which are necessary in derby. I have also been working on entire yoga routines on skates that have helped me become more comfortable on my skates. I hope to share these routines with derby girls everywhere to help them gain the same benefits I have.

Are there any poses you recommend for derby girls specifically?
I recommend serious stretching to any derby girl to help avoid injury, or to help shorten recovery time. Squats and warrior poses will help build leg and core strength. As derby girls, it is important to keep the legs limber. I suggest forward bends to stretch the hamstrings. Hip openers are also very beneficial and help with leg flexibility. My favorite hip opener is Pigeon (Google it LOL). Gaining core strength is also important for derby, it helps with control and getting power behind your hits. I suggest boat pose and adding a twist to the left and right. I really could suggest a few pages worth of great poses for derby. If you have specific questions, ask me on Facebook, I’ll be happy to help!

Do you have any derby idols?
A few. Suzy Hotrod is one skater I study. She’s quick, agile, and all around awesome. I only hope I can train hard enough to be on her level.

How does it feel to be finishing up your first season?
I wish it wasn’t ending. But I have surprised myself with how far I’ve come since recruitment. There are so many talented women on our league and I love the tips and critiques they share. I know I’m going to train hard in the off season. I want to be the best I can be... For myself and my team! I’m so thankful for the love and support of the Slammers and all of the fun times we have shared bonding and throwing back shots we call “Sunnyland Slammers”

How do you plan to prepare for the next season?
I’ll be training with a serious amount of cardio. Lots of intense interval training, and a ton of yoga! I also hope to gain knowledge and skills at RollerCon in July.

Do you have any advice for future derby girls?
Stretch. ALOT. Breathe steadily. Push yourself. Listen to the advice other girls throw your way and do your best to apply it. Ask questions... “WHAT?” is not an acceptable question. Don’t ever say you can’t do something! Communicate and be aware. Most importantly LAUGH and HAVE FUN!

How do you always maintain such a high level of positivity in such a tough sport?
Simple answer.. I’m a hippy. Haha! But really, I don’t partake in drama. I have found negativity gets you nowhere, it just makes people want to run away from you. As a yoga instructor I have found and maintained balance in my daily life and I carry it with me everywhere. I meditate regularly and I laugh every chance I get.

You recently dislocated your elbow, what happened and how have you been coping?
I fell during a practice and another skater ran right into my fully extended arm. I felt my elbow bend the wrong way, and felt the most intense pain EVER! After 6 hours in the ER, I finally had it put back in place. I don’t have health insurance, so most of my recovery process has been me doing what I feel is best. I was told that the only thing that saved me from having broken bones and torn ligaments was my flexibility and physical fitness. Yoga really makes a difference!! Looks like I’ll be on the track for the season closer, healed and ready to roll!

 

Check out our last bout of the season and our last OSDA bout ever!

 

BIRDS OF PREY WISH LIST

"It is my goal to truly hit as hard as possible"

How did you get your start in derby?
Like many women who’ve joined derby in the last few years, I saw the movie Whip It and thought it looked amazing and wanted to give it a try. Lucky for me, Orlando had a league and within a week of contacting OPCDG, I was on skates. I started as a ref and got a firm understanding of rules and game play. Then I started working on my skills in a boot camp held by OPCDG, followed by our recruitment. It’s hard to believe that was 2 years ago!

You're the captain of the Sunnyland Slammers, what are the struggles of being a captain and also a skater?
I love being the captain of the wild and wonderful Sunnyland Slammers. Being a fairly new skater myself (this is only my second season), I struggle focusing on my teammates and giving them the feedback they need to improve while still maintaining focus on my personal improvements. It can be stressful at times dealing with problems that arise but my team always has my back and I know they all appreciate my leadership. Also, a big shout-out to my co-captain, The EmPaleHer. I’m the balls and she’s the brain. I couldn’t do this without her!

You've been very successful in keeping your team attendance and morale high - what's your secret?
Wow! I’m glad that this is recognized and although I’d love to take credit for some awesome thing that I have done, this really must be attributed to all the Slammers. We encourage each other and try hard to nurture a special camaraderie. We’re understanding of each other’s busy lives but are also constantly reminding our teammates how important they each are to our success as a team. I think knowing that your team is counting on you offers a deeper motivation.

How are you preparing your team to take on the Serial Thrillers this month?
Although this is a big game for both teams, and Slammers are certainly fired up about this, we are not doing any special training for this game that we don’t do for the others. We always have extra team practices to work on strategy and skills. We analyze our opponents’ strengths and weaknesses and develop a plan of action. And of COURSE, we always have a Slammer party! ‘Cause there ain’t no party like a Slammer party, ‘cause a Slammer party DON’T STOP!

How are you preparing yourself personally for the travel team?
I have recognized my weaknesses as a skater and am striving to get as much experience playing in open scrimmages as possible. I also watch a lot of strategy videos and WFTDA bouts online.

Who are some of your derby idols?
This is actually a kind of funny topic for me because although I LOVE this sport and am very involved, I am not familiar with many BIG players in the game. I’ve watched many online and gone to many bouts and there are always some players that catch my eye because of some sweet moves or blocks they execute but I can’t say that I idolize any individual skaters. However, it is a dream of mine to skate with the Denver Roller Dolls’ Mile High Club!

You are easily one of the hardest hitters on the league, do you have any advice for aspiring blockers?
I don’t know if my style would work for everyone but when I go out there, it is my goal to truly hit as hard as possible. I genuinely, leave all my cares for you and your well-being off the track. This has caused me to be somewhat reckless at times and often, I’ll take myself down as well. This is something I’m working on. However, it does make for some crowd-pleasing hits and I have a blast doing it!