October - The Monster Mish

An Interview with…The Monster Mish!

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

I grew up watching derby get featured on TV shows with all these tough girls and I thought it was really cool. In 2020 I took up park skating, but in 2021, I broke my leg so badly I couldn’t walk for 6 months and required 2 emergency surgeries. Eventually, I was invited to join by Galgo and after a couple of recruitment meetings and overcoming lots of fear related to my traumatic injury, I committed to join. What really solidified my decision to stick around was seeing the derby consists of more than just “cool tough girls,” our league is filled with strong compassionate and rad people of all genders.

Did you play any other sports before derby?

I played basketball from 5th grade and up to the club and high school level. I stopped playing because it conflicted with my creative interests. It has impacted how I play and improved my ability to block as I played a lot of defense. Towards the end of my basketball career I actually started subbing for point guards sometimes despite being so tall. I think this will translate well into my jammer aspirations.

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

I don’t know if I had a “one moment” that made me realize it was right for me. It feels more like a destined part of my life journey that I finally stopped resisting.

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

I think derby has improved my communication and willingness to accept criticism. When I first got on the track for a scrimmage, the talking felt overwhelming, but now in my head it is necessary and helpful. I can accept constructive criticism in other areas of my life a bit more easily now.

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

I like blocking, but I really want to be a jammer. I’m still a rookie, so hopefully someday in the not too far off future I’ll have enough stamina to skate laps and laps past blockers. I want to get better as a jammer because I love the challenge of squeezing past skilled blockers. Each blocker passed and each lap is a big accomplishment.

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

I’ve only played one bout so far, but getting a good nights sleep really helped me.

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

Just go for it. Keep believing in yourself. If it isn’t the right place for you, you’ll come out of fresh meat with new life experience under your belt. If it was meant for you, but you haven’t quite built up the skills needed yet, you can try fresh meat again. I hesitated for so long to join, and I’m so glad that I finally made the decision to play. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, as they say.

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

Hosting friends at my house, gardening, reading or mostly building or doing tech work at Reign of Terror haunted house!

Do you have a derby mentor?

Not yet, but I really look up to all of our experienced players.

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

Playing makes me happy! Friends and exercise pick me up when I’m in a bad mood.

What’s your favorite part of skating with VCDD?

The community.

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

If you’re interested in a sport or hobby, go for it! Believe in yourself and you can do it.