April - Sasha Fierce

An Interview with…SASHA FIERCE!

What about derby caught your attention? When did you first start playing?

I ran into some derby girls many moons ago, at a local bar. I had no idea there was derby, nor had I ever been interested in playing. I remember after some cocktails, I went up to one of my favorites, La Jefa. I asked her what they played and she told me, and said I should play too. My answer was no right off the bat, but something had me curious at the same time. It was Battle for the Coast, and she told me they were playing the next day as well. I went, and immediately could not take my eyes off the game. I was sold. And here we are 13 years later, and I am still just as in love with this sport as I was the moment I witnessed it first hand.

What was that “one moment” when you knew playing derby was the right thing for you?

It was about 6 months or so after I first stared to play. The game was still a work in progress for me, and I had not entirely connected the dotes just yet. I wasn't quiet sure what to do or where to go, and I just felt like I was consistently in the way. Then one night at a scrimmage, I very slowly got into an opposing players way and "stopped" her. I think she probably let me, but whatever, that was the moment that I got it, and I just wanted to continue to get better. Shortly after that, I met my derby wife, Sugar Free, and I knew I wasn't going anywhere. Some people say that it's the blind leading the blind when it comes to her and I. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

What’s something you’ve learned playing derby that has translated into another part of your life?

Patience. I've played team sports my entire life. The feeling you get from being apart of something is indescribable. But with any team sports, people are at different levels, and helping or being helped comes along with the territory. Having patience to teach others as well as be taught yourself is one of the most important parts of being a part of your team. Having 4 small children that like to test the boundaries also requires patience.

Do you have a favorite & a least favorite position? Can you elaborate?

I love all of the positions. Jamming can be hard and draining, but the feeling you get when you see that hole and you go for it and make it, is one of the best feelings I think. Then you have only seconds to get your breathing under control and gather yourself before you're right behind the pack and have to do it all over again. But blocking...blocking is a whole different adrenaline rush. Predicting the movement of the jammer and getting it right and being able to stop, block, and hit is what I love. And having played both positions, you have a bit of an advantage, sometimes knowing what moves might happen and sometimes being able to out smart the opponent.

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

My derby wife, Sugar Free and I have had the same routine for the past 13 years. We meet at one of our houses, do make-up, laugh, dance, sing, and get ourselves pumped up. If for some reason we are not able to meet before the game, the rest of the evening feels off.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about playing derby?

What are you waiting for...

Finish this sentence: When I’m not playing derby, I am _____.

Parenting my 4 amazing children. They are my biggest fans, and the loves of my life.

Do you have a derby mentor?

My entire team I consider my mentors. Each and every one of my teammates has a different style, and when you put them all together, there is so much to learn and achieve.

​What keeps you motivated to keep playing when things get tough?

The adrenaline. Sometimes trying to get through the pack can physically and emotionally break you down. This can be a tough sport. More time than not, I replay in my head what I could have done better or differently. I am my worst critique. But when the pieces fit and the energy is right...that's what I love.

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

The bond we have. From the moment I joined VCDD, they welcomed me with open arms. I've had some pretty challenging events happen to me in the last few years, and I know without a doubt that this group of amazing people have helped me through all of it. I don't know what I would do without them.

Any last bit of advice you'd like to give people??

If you're even considering roller derby, just do it. I promise you won't regret it.