May - D. Boss

An Interview with…D. BOSS!

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

I remember going to see VCDD play at the fairgrounds and they were hitting hard, skating fast, and the derby names were hilarious! My favorite derby name of all time is Anita Slapahoe. A year or so later my wifey, Fatal Crush, invited me to try playing. I was hooked from practice one!

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

I don’t have one moment. It’s the many moments at practice that keep me coming back. Some days, I honestly DO NOT want to go to practice, for one reason or another. But by the time I leave, I am so happy I made myself go! I work out, sure, but my team mates are why I keep showing up. They hold me accountable, push me to work harder, challenge me mentally, and they make me laugh.

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

There are so many times I don’t know where I belong in the pack, but after over a decade playing derby, I have learned that I can be of value no matter where I’m at in the pack. This helps me feel more confident wherever I am bc I have the ability to think critically and adjust with whatever situation I’m in.

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

I do not love to jam. I have this panic mode that makes my heart stop working before the whistle blows to start the jam. I do love to pivot and block. I think I make a better pivot bc I can jam better when not given time to think about it, so if I’m passed the star, then I have more success lol. Blocking I feel pretty confident with. I’ll be honest, It feels good to feel confident.

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

I try not to think about it too much. I eat a good breakfast and light lunch and drink lots of water. On my way to the rink I love to listen to music that gets me pumped up. Then put on sunscreen and have someone braid my hair.

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

Just get there. Get your body to the rink, make your mouth say hi. That’s half the battle.

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

Working, laying in my bed, painting my nails, watching horror or sci-fi, floating in a lazy river…

Do you have a derby mentor?

I honestly learn something from everyone in derby.

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

My team mates. I just love them.

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

Again, my team mates. They are also our coaches, so they push me to be a better version of myself. And I love the feeling I have at the end of every practice.

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

Be kind. Don’t forget to say hi to and include fresh meat and newer skaters.