May - Purple Haze

An Interview with…Purple Haze

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

I honestly forgot derby existed my whole life. My dad took us a few times when I was in middle school and I was terrible at skating. I only ever thought about skating again when I met Doom at a drag show and she convinced me to go to recruitment night. It has forever changed my life and I am thankful for her every day.

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

Definitely attending the recruitment nights and the fresh meat program. Despite being too anxious to talk to anyone, I eventually opened up because of this welcoming community. After I moved here, I felt out of place, but finding derby showed me people who understand me. I feel more appreciated of what I do in derby than my job. It felt like I fitted right in.

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

I definitely developed better eating habits. As dumb as it may sound, I didn’t really eat a lot of vegetables before derby. When I started getting into derby, I forced myself to exercise more, eat healthier foods like fruits and vegetables, and to take more protein. It’s nice to know that I’m not as picky of an eater than I was before.

How did you pick your derby name?

I picked the name because it was a triple entendre- it’s a strain of weed, referenced Jimi Hendrix, and is a character from Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure. (It’s One of my favorite anime’s.) It’s first and foremost a Jojo reference, so it really worked out. And I love purple!

How did you pick your derby number?

Easy. It was crazy to me that no one had picked 420, so it had to be mine. Also works with my name, playing into the weed reference.

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

I enjoy the thrill of jamming, especially when you can get through. But there’s something about being the pivot who can lead their jammer through the pack that brings me joy. Blocking only seems difficult now cause I don’t have it all down yet. But I definitely want to to be able to do any position when needed.

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

I really love to see everyone’s bout makeup. So I always look forward to that part of a pre-bout ritual.

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

Forget about whether or not you can skate. The real points you got were the friends you made along the way.

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

Probably playing video games.

Do you have a derby mentor?

Not exactly. I do like to ask Collin or Galgo questions every so often cause this is all so new to me.

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

Definitely the team, we cheer each other on no matter what. Hearing their cheers keep you going and fills you with determination.

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

It really feels like I have found my tribe. It has people that I enjoy being around, are really funny, and make you feel included.

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

If you’re a ball of anger like me, this is a pretty good way of channeling all that rage.