November - Fizzical Contact “Fizz”

An Interview with…Fizzical Contact aka “Fizz”!

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

There wasn’t anything in particular about derby that caught my attention. My daughter was preparing to leave the state for college and I needed a new “fizzical” activity to get into.

My Fresh Meat season began January 2018.

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

The first practice after culminating from Fresh Meat I was doing laps around the track and for no particular reason, face planted. My mouth bled, my glasses broke, but I got back up. When I got home and took my hair down, the arm from my glasses was still tucked in my hair. That gave me a chuckle and I knew this was something pretty dope!

Did you play any other sports before derby?

I ran track for 10 years, played softball, was a cheerleader in high school, have had my fair share of CrossFit encounters & am a nonnegotiable yogi. All of these aspects have contributed to my performance on the track in some capacity.

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

Something I’ve learned playing derby that has translated into another part of my life is that it ain’t over till it’s over! Interpret that as you will.

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

My fave position is inside blocker. I do not have a least favorite position. (Is that not the expected profound thing to say?)

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

Bout days start with yoga, YouTubing some old Champs highlights, followed by some banger 90’s rap tossed in with some System of a Down.

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

I’ve said this once before and l will say it again. You ever wanna know what it feels like to be a super hero? Try derby!

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

When I am not playing derby I am traveling, camping with my peeps, teaching or practicing yoga, and/or melting brain cells by watching shows & movies on TV at home.

Do you have a derby mentor?

My mini is my derby mentor. She does not nor has she ever played derby. But she’s living her life to the fullest & that’s what I intend to do with my derby career.

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

When things get tough, my motivation to keep playing is knowing that I’m not ready to give up on the possibilities of my derby future. I’m old as dirt, but there’s still more greatness to come from me. I know it!

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

My favorite part of skating with VCDD is that there are some comedians on this team! Not professionally, but the one liners and quick wit nurtures me & keeps me in stitches (Gal, Heiden, Smash I’m lookin’ at y’all!) I love laughter and I get so much of it when I’m in VCDD’s company.

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

It doesn’t hurt to be kind to a stranger. Your kindness might be the only softness they see today. 💛