When did you join derby?
My first day of boot camp was June 11, 2023
What leagues have you skated for?
Queen City Roller Derby and Enchanted Mountain
Where are you from?
Horseheads, NY
What’s your day job?
Stay at home mom
I came to watch a derby game at Buffalo Riverworks when I first moved back to Buffalo in 2023 and it gave me butterflies in my stomach! I knew right then I had to find out how to get involved in roller derby. When I was trolling the website, I saw that boot camp was starting in the summer and it specifically said, “no experience necessary.” My 3 favorite words to see. I’ll try anything once!
What’s the significance of your derby name and number?
For many years I was a competitive runner and had all kinds of numbers on my running bib, but whenever I had a 2, I felt super lucky. It has stuck with me ever since. As for my derby name, not only do I love Shakira, but I love the meaning behind the song She Wolf. It resonated with me a lot, especially being a stay at home mom. Once you let us out of the house, we can let our feral self be set free haha!
What are some of your hobbies outside of derby?
I’m very into hobby farming right now. I have 9 chickens and 8 ducks right now and am waiting for my opportunity to get goats. I also love traveling and doing anything adventurous outdoors. I’m a country girl at heart so if it’s dirty, messy, or risky, I’m all in!
I’m not going to lie, it’s a little chaotic at the moment, especially with no childcare. My husband and I tag team a lot, but he knows how much I enjoy this sport and as long as it’s on the calendar, we respect each other’s schedules.
You were drafted by the travel program this year. How has your experience been thus far?
I’ll be honest, it was very unexpected. I am definitely intimidated by the amount of talented skaters in our league, but everyone has been so kind to give me advice and tips to up my skating level. When you start a new sport you’ve never done before, especially at an older age, you have to leave your ego at the door and soak up all the knowledge veterans have to offer you.
Jamming makes me so nervous because you are the one being relied upon to add points to your team score. Although I’m used to that kind of pressure, it never settles. As a blocker, I feel more at ease because I have at least another blocker to share the load with. If I had to choose, I’d say blocking, but at the moment I’m better at jamming.
Who is your favorite derby skater and why?
Cooper aka Misery Business is my favorite jammer. Her footwork is impeccable. She’s such a humble skater, but has worked very hard to achieve her goals and I really admire that about her! Roller derby is a chess game of knowledge and skill that builds over time. Anyone who stays dedicated long enough to play at the highest level is very disciplined in their craft.
To be a valuable member of my team and have fun! I play much better when I can laugh and find joy in competition. One day, I’d like my apex jump to look half as cool as She Devil’s.
What advice do you have for new skaters?
Never count yourself out! Sometimes, we put restrictions on what we think we can and cannot do. I joined this contact sport at 36 and have been living my best life! Even after having 4 kids, not only am I in the best shape I have ever been in, but I am in a really positive mental state I’m a hype girl all day long and roller derby does not disappoint. I respect a good hit/play and I’ll be sure to tell you it was awesome.
~ Mini Fridge