Magic 8-Brawl

Magic 8 Brawl 7
You hit like a train!
Derby Number: 
#7
Rebel Roses Captain
League Captain
Rebel Roses Travel Team
How long have you been skating?: 
I skated around a lot as a child, quad skates when they were cool (mine had My Little Ponys on) and then blades when I became a teen (knee scars to prove that I did it when pads just weren't cool!) And then spent some time ice skating as a young adult before hearing the call of roller derby! I've been skating with the dolls since July 2009 and found it pretty easy to pick up and improve on the basic skating skills I already had. Now I can't imagine a life not on eight wheels!
What does your derby name mean to you?: 
It was pretty random and came to me one day out of no where. It doesn't mean anything significant but being called Magic on track does wonders for my ego!
What's your best move/technique?: 
I really enjoy the "oof" of air you get with a good johnny crash, or the sound of jammer colliding with your back when you get in the way. I can't tell you my skills though, you might use them against me!
What's your favourite roller derby anthem/tunes to skate to?: 
I like anything that gets the blood pumping, particularly before and during a bout, nice high energy music!
Favourite roller derby quote?: 
In or out?
Your Derby Story: 

So I didn't know anything about roller derby when I joined the league. Random! you might say. All I knew was that it involved skating, and I liked skating, and I was good at skating (or so I thought) and I wanted to try it.

I was recruited by SJ Slay and ex-doll Tilly McKill, who told me how awesome it would be. My first session was the weekend after Roll Britannia (how long ago does that seem now?) and all I remember is being really REALLY goddam nervous. Like hands shaking as I put on my skates nervous. And nearly falling over on my first lap nervous. And I remember how hard it was, how out of breath I used to get, and how much my legs hurt the day after!!

I've been skating for 18 months now and gone from strength to strength both as a player and a member of the Dolls. Training is tough and takes up so much of my time but I wouldn't change it. I work hard off skates too because I know how important fitness and strength is to derby.

And as well all know derby doesn't just take up time on skates, it takes up time off skates too! I am part of the committee that run bouts for the dolls. It's hard work but I get so much out of it too. And more recently I've volunteered to help coaching both our newer and more experienced skaters during our training sessions. I love watching our girls learn new skills and gain in confidence.

I'm so proud of LRD, both on and off the track, we've come a long way in the last year or so and I am so glad to be a part of such an amazing league!