Started Playing Derby: I joined roller derby towards the end of April 2017.

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Team:  South Jersey Roller Derby Travel Team, Deviants, Kill Scouts

 

How did you choose your derby name & number?

When I first joined SJRD, people told me "start thinking of a derby name fast because you'll need it before you know it"...they were right. It was time, and I didn't have one yet. So I came up with a list of names, then I had people narrow it down. Once I had the top 3, I had my girlfriend (Killer Cupcake) pick. And thus, Rolling Thunder came into existence.

 

What led you to roller derby?
My brother's wife (Bi-furious) had her first game April 1st, 2017. So he had invited me to watch. Before then, I didn't even know roller derby was still around. It was so exciting and fun to watch. Everyone playing made it look easy, so I thought "Yeah, I can do that." So a few weeks later, I joined.

 

What was your biggest hurdle when you first started derby?

Cross-overs. Definitely cross-overs. When I started, I could barely stand on my skates. Once I became stable, I had to get my speed up in order to join pace line with the team. I worked on basically nothing else other than cross-overs for weeks. To be honest, I'm still working on making my cross-overs more efficient.

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What does being a South Jersey Roller Derby member mean to you?

Being part of SJRD means so much to me. I'm part of more than just a team, but a family. I've met so many unique individuals that have helped me grow as a skater and as a person. I'm proud to be a member of SJRD.

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What would you recommend for a new rookie joining the league?

As a new rookie coming in, don't get discouraged. Everyone has started off in your position. It takes time and effort to improve. So as long as you keep coming to practice and try, you will get better. You may not notice it yourself at first, but others will. "Success isn't always about greatness. It's about consistency. Consistent, hard work gains success. Greatness will come." -Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

 

What is your derby goal?

My goal is to keep working hard to become a Class I skater.

What's a little known fact about yourself?
The last sport I was part of before joining roller derby was color guard. So this sport is a leap in the opposite direction for me. The other thing is that I love to go to the shooting range when I can.

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Any notes you'd like to share?

I just want to give thanks to everyone who has supported, and still is supporting me through my derby career. Especially, Killer Cupcake who has made all of my bout shirts, and makes sure I'm up and ready for practice every week. Shout out to Mt. Tushmore who was my training wheels coach when I first joined. You taught me all the basics I needed to pass my minimum skills test. I can't forget my big, The Grymm Leapyr, who does an awesome job coaching. Thanks for always pushing me to not give up and to do better. I've learned a lot from you, and know there's still more to come. And last but definitely not least, thank you Mos Deathly! There wouldn't have been a team for me to join if it wasn't for all your hard work and dedication to SJRD. You are an amazing person and coach!