March - Heiden Seek
Derby Name: Heiden Seek
Derby Name Origin: I was almost going to be Milkshake but then my good friend Mouse came up with a fun play on my last name.
Derby Number: 1717
Derby Number Origin: 1717 was my dad’s racecar number. It’s kind of a universal Heiden family number.
Position: Blocker
When did you start skating: 2016
Favorite Skate Brand: Bont
SKATER INTERVIEW
An Interview with…Heiden Seek
What about derby caught your attention? When did you first start playing?
I went to watch a VCDD tournament in 2015 and they made it look so fun and easy. I was right about the fun and wrong about it being easy. I started playing in the next fresh meat group about 6 months later.
Did you play any other sport before derby?
I played softball as a kid and I think it taught me the importance of showing up for my team.
What was that “one moment” when you knew playing derby was the right thing for you?
After my first scrimmage. It was so crazy but in the most fun way. I don’t know another time when I felt that way.
What’s something you’ve learned playing derby that has translated into another part of your life?
I’ve learned to be patient when trying to improve. It’s ok to take the scenic route to progress.
Do you have a favorite & a least favorite position?
I prefer to block. Jamming makes me feel like Gimli trying to keep up with Legolas and Aragorn across the plains of Rohan.
What do you do to get ready for a bout?
Don’t eat or drink anything that might make me barf and pack sunscreen in my bag.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about playing derby?
You should give it a fair chance. You’ll be surprised how much you are capable of and you’ll make lots of friends too.
Finish this sentence: When I’m not playing derby, I am _____.
Spending time with my family. My nieces, Daphne and Zoe are VCDD regulars at the track.
Do you have a derby mentor?
There are too many to list. When I’m with my league, I am surrounded by greatness.
What keeps you motivated to keep playing when things get tough?
My teammates! We are a fellowship that I refuse to let down.
What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?
This is a truly fun group of people. We have so many laughs when we are together and the aforementioned fellowship.
Any last bit of advice you'd like to give people??
Those awesome D1 derby players didn’t get good in one practice. Listen to the veteran skaters and put the work in. As Anita says “leave it all on the track”