March - Fatal Traction

An Interview with...FATAL TRACTION

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

Roller skates plus hitting people sounded extremely fun.

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

I knew immediately, haha. I was already pretty good on skates and very competitive and aggressive. It was really the perfect sport for me.

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

Derby is a team sport and it is important to ensure everyone is learning and growing together. Focusing on your star players will only get you so far. I use this motto in my career as well.

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

My favorite position is a non-pivot blocker. I want to focus on the opposing jammer. My last favorite position currently is jammer because my endurance sucks.

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

I try to put myself in the right mental state to relax and not stress. Experience has taught me that after that first jam is over, the anticipation and anxiety dissipates and the intensity and fun of the game consumes me so there's no point in stressing beforehand anyways.

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

There are 2 aspects to derby: physical and mental. It is important to develop both. Also, try to be ambidextrous in all your movements.

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

Being a mom

Do you have a derby mentor?

Chronic Speed was my mentor. She taught me the strength of willpower.

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

It's easy to stay motivated to continue to play derby when things get tough because derby is the place I can forget my worries and just skate it out.

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

I've been with VCDD my whole derby career. I love the outdoor rink that's next to farmland and you get to smell different produce in different seasons, and I love that there are so many different types of people involved. It really is a family.

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

Mental toughness is the single most important asset on the track.