January - Sunshine

An Interview with...SUNSHINE

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

I had honestly only ever seen derby in the movie whip it growing up, it wasn’t until I was working at chilis and one of my coworkers had told me I should join roller derby with her cause it would help my get out my anger haha!  . So in 2019 I started freshmeat!

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

The moment when  I knew playing roller derby was the right thing for me was when I was in freshmeat and I saw my first ever live action game. I literally cried happy tears watching my teammates skate that day. It was so awesome and I knew this was a sport I wanted to play for as long as I could!!

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

Something I have learned playing roller derby is definitely communication, It’s still a tough one when I’m on the track in the moment but I definitely feel in my life I’m more open and communicative then I was before.

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

I like all positions!! Some are more scary than others but I just want to practice them all and be comfortable in all of them!

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

I really don’t have a bout ready routine yet, I usually carpool with Payne to bouts and we do lunch and then show up. As the years go on I’m sure that my routine will change and expand.

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

I say if you’re thinking about joining roller derby literally do it. It is the best decision I’ve ever made and I have such amazing friends because of it!!!

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

When Im not playing roller derby I am working.

Do you have a derby mentor?

I do have a derby mentor! Unfortunately they don’t skate for VCDD anymore but they are always in my heart <3

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

My love for my teammates and this sport is what keeps me going when things get tough!

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

My favorite part about skating with VCDD is that we’re like a big family and everyone is there for everyone.