July - Allyn Ur Mom

An Interview with…Allyn Ur Mom!

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

I attended Rollercon 2024 for funsies just to hang out with two of my best friends (shout out Bacon and Stevi!!). I didn’t really roller skate at the time, and I wasn’t considering derby even a little bit until I saw Team Philippines play and my god! Maybe it’s that I’m genetically predisposed to being hype on anything Filipino, but it was the most exciting thing I had ever seen! I felt really like I could be out there doing what they were doing, representing an integral part of my identity.

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

There have been several moments but I think a  major one was when I got my concussion a couple months ago. Lying in bed, head spinning like a top, I kept visualizing what happened in my head and it was so exciting! I wanted to get out there and try again— I watched my friends play while I was no-contact during the recovery period and I was just itching to be part of it again and for a long time

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

I’ve been learning to be okay with my body and its limits. Doing derby has been my first time learning to skate, the first time I’m doing a full contact sport, and the first time experiencing serious injury so there’s a huge learning curve physically that takes a mental toll. I’m so used to pushing my limits to reach an ever-moving goal post, but my body couldn’t keep up. Slowing down to listen to what my body needs has brought me peace in where I am career and life wise and I can just enjoy where I’m at.

How did you pick your derby name?

Idk ask your mom— HA. I was bestowed this name during freshmeat while we were workshopping Allyn puns and I couldn’t NOT choose this one

How did you pick your derby number?

69 felt a little too on the nose

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

I’ve come to love blocking! It doesn’t come to me naturally in any sense, but having to choose this position due to injury it’s been really fun to learn and feel like I’m getting better. I enjoy supporting my team where I can even if I’m just getting in the way figuring out what the heck I’m doing. I don’t have a least favorite position, but pivoting does continue to elude me.

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

A week before, I prioritize hydration and getting my PT in so my body doesn’t betray me in a preventable way. I also spend the time before setting a good mindset saying “The best I can give is my best” bc I can get wrapped up worrying about my performance.

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

Show up! Whether it be to just recruitment night, or to watch a game, or the first night of practice, just show up! Even if you don’t decide then and there, you took the biggest step forward.

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

sending everyone every thought I have and getting a corndog probably

Do you have a derby mentor?

I have a few! Stevi, my beloved, has been so patient and kind when I feel down about my skill level and is so good at explaining movements when I have questions. Collin and Jinkies are also wells of knowledge for body positioning and footwork— also, as fellow short people, they’ve given me some really good advice on how to start using my height to my advantage.

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

I remind myself that the best thing I can do is give my best effort. Derby is tough all the way around with all its moving parts; My best effort is often to focus on one or two of those things I can control at a time (i.e. communication, keeping with a buddy, staying off my goddamn toe stops, etc.).

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

All of my friends!! I LOVE MY FRIENDS!! Some days it feels so bad when I feel like I’m  not doing well during a game or practice, but being able to laugh and chat with them makes me feel so complete and whole at the end of the day.

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

I got this bit of advice at Rollercon this year: You’re paying to be here, this is a hobby! Have fun!