June - The Ol' Razzle Dazzle

An Interview with…The Ol' Razzle Dazzle

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

I was moving back home from the bay and was looking for something to keep me busy. My older sibling, Smashquatch, had been playing for years and I always volunteered as a NSO. I loved to skateboard and roller skating so I figured I'd join fresh meat! I'm so happy I did!

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

Getting to know my fresh meat class really made me love it. We were all equally lost and excited. Seeing us all improve and overcome our own hurdles so quickly was extremely rewarding. All of the vets were so welcoming and encouraging I knew this community was for me.

Did you play any other sports before derby?

My whole family is really into sports. I played soccer growing up and I really liked it. I played goalie and really enjoyed the mental battle between me and whoever is trying to score. I thought I was going to play in high school but I broke my left wrist twice in a row and decided to retire. I also played a little basketball in middle school, had a brief golf phase, and was a setter for my high school volleyball team. Starting in high school I got really into competitive riflery. I would shoot a .22 rifle prone, kneeling and standing. My best was always prone and I even set a couple of national records! I went to the Junior Olympics twice and got a college scholarship at Ole Miss! I was really good at shooting but I got carpal tunnel in my left wrist that made it too painful to shoot standing. In the Olympics theres a men's prone event but not for women. Women only have 3 position shooting which required I shoot standing to compete. There was no future for me in the Olympics so I decided to retire. Overall sports taught me discipline and how to push myself even when it's hard.

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

Not giving up. After a couple of injuries I decided that contact wasn't for me. I could have walked away from the sport entirely and lost the community but I pivoted to reffing and stuck with it! I also decided to not give up on school and will be attending CSUN in the fall!

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

My favorite position was always jamming because I liked trying to solve the puzzle of how to get through the pack. Reffing is good though because I get to help make the derby happen! It's not possible without the volunteers and I feel like a vital part of the operation!

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

I make sure to eat a big meal beforehand. While I warm up I focus on skating backwards and transitioning at speed. I don't get too nervous because I'm just so grateful to be out there with the people I love!

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

I would say to put yourself out there socially as well as physically! This is a team sport and you depend on everyone a lot in the pack. You have to be comfortable with everyone to grab onto them and push each other around. At the end of the day it all comes down to a community of people with a common goal and love of derby. It can be really intimidating when you first start out but we're all in this together and we all want to see newbies succeed! We don't bite!

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

Chilling with my cat, Moco!

Do you have a derby mentor?

My older sibling, Smash, and my best friend, Galgo, have always taken the time to answer my questions or show me a new way of doing something I'm struggling with!

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

The community. I see how hard everyone else is working to make bouts happen and help the league succeed and it makes me want to work harder!

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

The people! This league is so supportive and encouraging. We all want to see each other do our best and are willing to help each other get there! Watching everyone progress has been amazing and I'm just so proud of how far my fresh meat class has come!

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

Be kind to yourself! Your 100% effort today might not be the same as your 100% yesterday or tomorrow! Just keep doing your best, whatever that looks like.