SKATER OF THE MONTH

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

When our coach, Jinkies, made me the official "Cut-Track Enforcer" for the entire practice time all season (You cut the track, you're doing burpees!) to help us all stay in the good habit of always exiting legally, even outside of scrimmages/bouts.

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

I attended Rollercon 2024 for funsies just to hang out with two of my best friends (shout out Bacon and Stevi!!). I didn’t really roller skate at the time, and I wasn’t considering derby even a little bit until I saw Team Philippines play and my god! Maybe it’s that I’m genetically predisposed to being hype on anything Filipino, but it was the most exciting thing I had ever seen! I felt really like I could be out there doing what they were doing, representing an integral part of my identity.

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

I knew roller derby was the thing for me the first time I face planted into the floor. I’ve always loved intense experiences— roller coasters, mosh pits, horror movies, etc. Roller derby is kind of like all those things in one…take that as you will. But I love that the core of the sport is literally falling and getting back up again! That’s just poetic! Life is something that throws all these horrible hurdles at you, and it’s kind of therapeutic to deal with them on a small, tangible scale.

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!

What do you do to get ready for a bout?

Take a deep breath, Smile, and say to myself I love to skate, now go have fun...when I keep that in mind I find myself spending less time in the penalty box.

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

My last bit of advice would be to never underestimate the power of perseverance and community. Roller derby isn’t just about physical skills; it’s about pushing through challenges, learning from every experience, and growing alongside others.

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

I'm a fan of puzzles and strategy so I was drawn to the playing-defense-and-offense-at-the-same-time aspect of game play. I also appreciate that there isn't an ideal body type for derby skaters and there are advantages for every body type for every position. I started playing in 2018.

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

Showing up and working hard is one of life's greatest rewards. Don't be afraid to fail, be afraid to not try.

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

DO IT!! Just try! I think something I hear a lot of people say is “I don’t want to get hurt” which is fair, but countering that, you can get hurt doing any sport. Or anything in general! The beautiful thing about derby is you are covered in pads! You start slow and you build so much muscle- not only physically but mentally. You learn resilience. My biggest piece of advice is don’t get discouraged when you fall, because you are always going to get back up. And you are going to fall over and over and over again and you will rise to the occasion every time. And everytime you fall you will learn something! You will learn to be aware of your body and you will learn how to change your mindset! Roller Derby is just beautiful.

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

My first bout 3 years ago and ,recently coming back to practice from my 9 month injury I was struggling with not being where I wanted athletically and my team/pals were my biggest supporters when returning and reminding me why I joined, and love this sport

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

Take smaller steps if you need to and being patient with myself. I've always been one to leap into things because I thought I had to. Derby is really teaching me to slow down to get it right and be confident in my ability to do something.

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

sooooo much! Get back up, don’t give up on yourself, surround yourself with good people, take time for yourself, be patient with yourself and others, don’t leave the pack!!