Magic 8-Brawl

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!