May - Sheil Shock

An Interview with…Sheil Shock

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

During the pandemic, I saw a lot of people skating as a solo activity and found myself buying a pair of skates. I started skating around the neighborhood and wanting to go faster. I looked up ways to learn how to skate locally and found out about roller derby. I put it off for a while until I met Galgo at a random craft market. She said that VCDD was having an info night the next day. I missed it because I got sick but emailed Heiden, got the packet, and came with my skates ready to go on the first day. I started playing later that year with my first bout in October? 2024 after passing freshmeat.

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

I enjoy the challenge of trying something new. The first time watching a home bout as a freshie, I saw how there's a place for everyone at the table and that different bodies bring different advantages. I especially loved that this sport combines everything I enjoyed about playing other sports growing up. Baby Sheil was out there setting strong screens on basketball courts somewhere years ago, so being able to do that on skates in a more calculated and complex way was fun.

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

Shaking it off and trying again. It doesn't need to be perfect. These are things we've heard a million times but this sport forces you to practice it. Jams are short and they're an opportunity to reset physically and mentally. Even if the last one was "bad", you leave the track for a second and step back in. It's a clean slate to try again.

Do you have a favorite & a least favorite position?

Favorite? Blocker, mostly because I know how to play the position well enough now to not think about it too much. Least favorite? Jammer, but only because it is the one position I've played the least. I do enjoy all of them though and there's still alot to learn. I am trying to challenge myself and take time with each position. Pivot is next on my list!

Did you play any sports before derby?

Basketball, Volleyball, and bit of Soccer. Basketball has probably contributed the most to how I play as a blocker.

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

Try to remember to hydrate and eat something light an hour or so before the bout. I am not pleasant when I'm hangry and I try to avoid playing that way if I can.

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

It doesn't hurt to try it! There's so much to this sport even if skating isn't your thing. As you're learning, be patient with yourself. The mind and body connection takes time!

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

Spending time with friends and family? I don't know, I feel like I'm always doing something.

Do you have a derby mentor?

Probably Jinkies and Fizz. The tidbits I get between jams and on the track have been really helpful.

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

Remembering how much fun derby is, that I get to play outside with my friends, and that it's something I'm actively choosing to participate in. When things are hard, I know I'll feel better after even if the start of the day/practice/bout is a little rocky.

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

The people. Everyone is really cool

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

Sometimes the best things come out of pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Getting comfortable with the discomfort, learning to adapt, and putting myself out there has led to some of the best friendships and experiences I've had in all stages of my life. So, it's okay to do it scared.