Bear started off their derby career as a member of the Nickel City Knockouts with QCRD from 2012-2015/2016. After that, they went up to Canada to skate with Tri-City Roller Derby, having skated on the Venus Fly Tramps and the Thunder A/B Travel Team. In 2017, they returned to QCRD to skate with the Subzero Sirens for the 2017 and 2018 seasons, then decided to take a break from derby for a few years. After their hiatus, Bear returned to QCRD in 2024 where they were snagged by the Devil Dollies in our most recent draft and will also be returning to our travel program for the 2025 season.
Where are you from?
Buffalo, NY
What is your day job?
Registered Massage Therapist
How did you get involved in derby?
I had an ex who played at the time and signed up! I couldn’t believe it was real after seeing Whip It.
What are some of your hobbies outside of derby?
I love reading and knitting (when I have time!).
What is the significance of your derby name and number?
I am not very creative, my nickname has always been Bear. I needed something I knew I would respond to if someone yelled at me! My first ever derby name was Bear Lee Legal. Thank god no one ever tried calling me something else. My number is my kiddo’s birthday!
Your derby journey started a long time ago and you have witnessed many changes to the game. Which of those changes do you like the most? What parts of the game do you miss?
I really like how intentional roller derby has tried to be about addressing issues regarding racism and transphobia. As far as the game itself, I’m learning things all the time and I enjoy that it changes. What I miss about the game is the performance of it all! We used to skate out to a song while they would say our names and dance. Some leagues would have track lighting! People loved wearing skirts and short shorts with fishnet stockings (I attempted but it didn’t last long).
If you would have asked me even two years after leaving derby why I left, I would have said it was because the people in roller derby ruined it for me. But honestly, I ruined it for myself and needed the seven years to NOT have this sport and community I took for granted at the time. I left because I wasn’t having fun. I even sold my skates and said, “I’ll never do this again.” I’m honestly so glad I changed my mind! I also bought my skates back which was pretty cool!
What is your favorite thing about blocking?
My favourite thing about blocking is how often I get to yap. I never really stop talking and it makes me feel useful to my teammates. I also really like hitting people.
I’ve had so many! My current favourite is Rage. She is incredibly hard working and talented. She’s also hilarious and falls all the time.
Do you have any goals for yourself this season?
I always want to improve and learn new things, but my number one goal is to have fun and to pump my buds up. Y’all deserve to be reminded how great you are!
Do you have any advice for new skaters?
Don’t indulge in hypercriticism of yourself. It takes years to be good at something, and we have to be willing to look silly and be uncomfortable to get to the good. Check your ego and listen to the folks who just want to watch you succeed.
– Interview by Thrash Bandicoot