What is the backstory on your Derby Name?
My derby name comes from a play on the Evil Eye. Also, I have been told I can convey my feelings or anger/annoyance with just a look. Â
When did you start roller derby?
I started derby in the Fall of 2008.
Why did you start derby?
I had taken my littles skating at the rink during the summer that year and decided to try out for SSRD as a coping mechanism for being a single mom going thru nursing school. It helped me to have an outlet that wasnât a traditional way of working out at the gym. Also, one of my classmates found out I was trying out for derby and he told me there was no way I could do it. So, naturally, I had to prove him wrong.
Has your why changed over the years?
My why has changed and morphed throughout the years as I have morphed and changed. Sometimes I use derby as my outlet for stress and emotional situations I have to go thru at work and in life. I also use it to show my kids you can be strong and athletic and have an outlet of your own choosing. You donât have to fit where everyone else tells you to fit. And now my oldest plays Jr Derby too. So thatâs really cool to watch her make her way in derby and watch her change and gain confidence in herself and her skills.
Three things you wish you knew when you first started derby that you know now.
- Enjoy my body type and shape more.
- Enjoy learning and discovering all the things that my body CAN do, instead of focusing on what it doesnât do quite as well as other skaters.
- Stop being worried about what other people are thinking and doing at practices and focus on yourself and your journey.
