December - Stevi Kicks

An Interview with…Stevi Kicks!

What about derby caught your attention?

I went to recruitment night after work and sat on the bleachers watching VCDD do warm-ups and turn-around toe stops in complete unison. Payne Jane was like “yea, you’d learn how to do that!” and so I gave fresh meat a shot!

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

Derby really started to click for me after skating in my first tournament where my skill level started to become more congruent with what I mentally wanted to do. I finally gained that track awareness and was able to be in my body.

Did you play any other sports before derby?

Yep! I was a nationally-ranked Tae Kwon Do martial artist as a kid, and I did that for about 8 years. I also played soccer for 10 years. In college I did a bit of weight training and ran.

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

The importance of having a community and a physical outlet for my physical and mental health! VCDD really is a chosen-family to me, and when we go on hiatus/off-season I can really feel the lack of that community and miss our workouts. I have become overall way more active after starting derby in order to up my overall fitness and train off-skates, and I am also more active in local community groups because of VCDD. 

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

I looooooove blocking and getting in the way. Though I am known for saying, “Don’t f-ing give me the star - I don’t want it!” I do want to get better at jamming and don't mind doing it every once in a while (trying to hone in on my inner Freight Train). Pivoting might be my least favorite position because I can't mentally prepare for whether I'll be blocking or jamming and I get stressed. 

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

The night before I make sure I get restful sleep and set out my boutfit and kit bag so I’m not stressing in the morning. Day-of I make sure I eat a high protein breakfast and try to manage my nerves by spending quality time with the team. Also, as my teammates know, I stock up on "blue drink" (Gatorade) and usually pop a scoop of pre-workout/ energy cube/ Gu. 

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

Do it! No matter your body type or skill level, derby is a place for you if it's where you want to be! The community is insanely supportive, and no matter what you are looking for, there is a likely a local(-ish) league for you. 

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

Napping, working, or finding another niche sport to obsess over.

Do you have a derby mentor?

Collin Ambulance is always an incredible resource for me to run the legalities of new plays off-of because of his reffing history, and his knowledge about derby strategy is unmatched. 

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

Haha sometimes I like to film myself after games on kind of a “derby-high” talking to my future self in anticipation for the inevitable times when I don’t want to go to practice or am worried about a game. I reassure myself that “You love derby! You feel strong and capable and are always learning and have measurable growth! And your team is here for you!”

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

The camaraderie and the emphasis on sportsmanship!

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

Challenge yourself! Doing things you aren’t naturally talented at is tough, but growth happens when your limits are pushed.