July - Just Chad

An Interview with… Just Chad!

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

What first caught my attention was seeing how much my partner (SheilShock) started to fall in love with derby and grow personally.

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

When Ruth 66 pulled me in to learn Jam Timing and I realized I didn’t just have to be a spectator. VCDD is a very meaningful, supportive, inclusive and important community. I was just so happy to know I could play a part in supporting this community.

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

Community is hard work but it’s work worth doing. The labor may be voluntary but the mutual benefit is exponential. A rising tide lifts all ships.

Did you play any other sports before derby?

Swim team in High School, skateboard in college.

Do you have a favorite & a least favorite position?

Favorite position - off skates ref. Least favorite position - trying to skate

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

Print paperwork, get snacks together, and make sure to hydrate.

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

Do it. Try it out and see if you like it. The community is very welcoming and supportive. There are so many roles and spaces to get involved and be a part of the community.

If you stick with it and overcome obstacles as you encounter them; you’d be surprised how much you might grow and change in just a year.

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

Just chad

Do you have a derby mentor?

Possibly, currently figuring that out. (NSO derby mentors are a thing)

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

Remember that you are a part of something bigger.

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

Being a part of a community. Having support and being supportive to others. Growing together.

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

Derby is an inclusive safe space where we all get to geow and learn together. This kind of space deserves to be supported and defended. You might feel like any form of support, volunteerism, engagement or involvement you have to offer isn’t much - but really it’s invaluable. Caring is cool, maintain revolutionary optimism, and remember Great people plant seeds for trees they may never know the shade of.