March - Poppy Panik

An Interview with… Poppy Panik

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

I’ve always been drawn to community, and when I first encountered roller derby, I saw that sense of connection everywhere — from the skaters to the crowd. The way teammates cheer each other on, especially in moments like when a blocker takes out a jammer or when a jammer pulls off an amazing apex jump, is exhilarating. That shared energy and support, whether it’s from teammates or fans, is infectious.

When I moved back to Ventura County I discovered the VCDD. From the first bout I attended, I was hooked. The energy of the crowd, the way everyone got behind every skater’s move — that’s when I realized this sport had something special.

Roller derby isn’t just about athleticism; it’s about the sense of community, teamwork, and collective joy. Every “oo” and “ah” from the crowd is a testament to the shared appreciation for the sport, and it’s that camaraderie that made me want to be a part of it.

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

The “one moment” I knew playing derby was the right thing for me happened during my first bout as a skater. It wasn’t a specific play or a flashy move that stood out — it was the feeling of being on the track, with the support of my teammates and the energy of the crowd. I remember hearing the cheers when I made a successful block and the rush of adrenaline as I pushed myself to do more. That moment, when everything clicked, and I realized how connected I felt to the team, the sport, and the community — that’s when I knew derby was my place. The sense of belonging and empowerment I felt on the track was undeniable, and from that point on, I was hooked.

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

Playing derby has taught me a lot about resilience and adaptability, and those lessons have definitely translated into other parts of my life. The sport requires you to think on your feet, adjust your strategy, and keep pushing forward even when things get tough. Whether it’s in my career, friendships, or personal goals, I’ve learned that setbacks are just part of the journey. I’ve become better at handling challenges with a positive attitude, knowing that I can always adjust, learn, and keep moving forward. The teamwork and communication skills I’ve developed in derby have also helped me build stronger relationships both on and off the track.

How did you pick your derby name?

The first name I picked was a play on knickerbockers.. Nicker Knock-Her.. but then I soon realized the name was shortened to Nicker, and well it's not the most PC sounding name on the track. Poppy Panik came from layers of iterations among friends and family. TBH I think derby names just grow on people, and it becomes hard to separate the two. Most of the time I don't call teammates by their government name.

How did you pick your derby number?

3 times 2 is 6.. Now you'll never forget my birthday :)

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

A snackity snack and a great playlist.

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

If you're thinking about playing derby, my advice is to dive in and don’t be afraid to start from wherever you are. Everyone in the derby community has their own unique journey, and it's not about being the fastest or the strongest right from the start — it’s about showing up, putting in the work, and embracing the learning process. You'll fall, you'll stumble, but that's all part of the experience. The key is to stay determined, trust in your growth, and always support your teammates. The camaraderie and the bond you form with the community is what makes it all worth it, so don’t be afraid to ask questions, learn, and enjoy the ride. And most importantly, have fun!

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

likely hyper fixating on a new craft, lately has been sewing.

Do you have a derby mentor?

I have two actually, I call them my skate god parents. Collin Ambulance and Jinkies.

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

Even on the hardest days, I remind myself why I started — not just for the physical challenge, but for the bond with my teammates and the support we give each other. I know that every time I push through a tough practice or a challenging game, I’m growing not only as a skater but as a person. The camaraderie in derby keeps me going, and the feeling of accomplishing something with a team, especially when you’ve struggled together, is incredibly rewarding

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

There’s something special about being part of a team that not only pushes you to be your best on the track but also supports you off the track. Whether it's sharing a victory or learning from a tough loss, the community at VCDD feels like a second family. I love how every practice, game, and event brings us closer together, and how we all celebrate each other's progress, no matter how big or small. It’s that feeling of unity and support that makes skating with VCDD so meaningful.

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

My last bit of advice would be to never underestimate the power of perseverance and community. Roller derby isn’t just about physical skills; it’s about pushing through challenges, learning from every experience, and growing alongside others.