What is the backstory on your Derby Name?

I was born in November and I really love the Guns & Roses song “November Rain”.

When did you start roller derby?

I started at South Side Roller Derby September 2013

Why did you start derby?

I found derby shortly after a very messy divorce. I was looking at Groupon.com and came across roller derby boot camp. I thought to myself “I know how to skate” (or so I thought). I showed up on a Monday and instantly fell in love! I knew right then I had to be involved in this crazy sport!

Has your why changed over the years?

I stay in derby because of several reasons now. The main reason is the person that I have become. When I started I was quiet, scared, and mentally broken down by my divorce (sad but very true). Derby, along with the wonderful and supportive women who also play, helped me rediscover myself. I learned that the hardest part about things is doing it the first time…your body is capable, but it is your mind that sometimes stops you. I learned that it is ok to fall…you just absolutely have to get back up. I took that as a life lesson and basically my daily mantra. I look back at the first few derby pictures and I compare them to the present ones and I don’t even recognize myself sometimes. I’ve changed so much for the better. Derby and the ladies of SSRD helped me build myself back up. It’s an amazing thing and so much more than a sport!

Advice to new skaters!

 I wish I knew that I actually COULD do most of the things I thought I couldn’t. I also wish I would have found derby sooner! I also wish I would have known not to attempt to out drink the derby girls at my first derby ball!!! LOL