How did you first learn about Derby?
In Dec of 2006, my dear friend called me and asked if I was interested in checking out a practice with her and another friend. My first experience watching these impressively strong women was awesome and I knew I would join right away.  We began thinking up our derby names that night and we soon became Collinwood Thunder, Gonnolea and Slaughterama Mama. Thunder and I began in season I with Lea hot on our tails in season II.

What was your favorite travel team bout?
We were still quite new when Detroit spanked us so graciously back in 2008. We learned a lot from those girls and they wiped the floor with us like true ladies. So fun!

How did you feel seeing yourself on the Sk8intheface header the first time?
I basically felt lucky to have been caught in a shot with all of the super players that are also included on the header. Every time I see it I feel humbled and flattered! It gives me the right to tell my grandma that I’m awesome.

What is the feeling of having your son and husband in the stands?
It would have been impossible for me to have ever imagined that I would receive the kind of support that I get from my “guys.” There are my biggest fans as well as my toughest critics. On top of making it to nearly every game, my son has endured countless hours of practice like a trooper.

Do you enjoy travel team bouts of interleague bouts better?
That is a tough question to answer because they are hard to compare. Travel bouts allow for the opportunity to meet fantastic skaters from all over the country as well as experience cities I may never have visited otherwise. The high level of competition brings on a healthy blend of anxiety and adrenaline all topped off by awesome hotel room shenanigans. On the other hand, I miss my family when I am away, even for just a night or two and bouts at home seem to be more fun. Here at home when we are on our turf, we get to play against our best friends and see all of the Cleveland fans. If there is one thing I have learned, Cleveland derby is like no other. Interleague wins in my book.

You have a remarkable fan base at my work, any words for your loving fans?
You sure know how to pick ‘em! Who knew I had fans!?!

What has been the worst injury that you have obtained from derby?
Are you trying to jinx me? In three seasons, the worst injury I ever received was when I jumped over the dance floor railing at the Garage bar like Daivd Lee Roth at an after party and twisted my ankle. That is what they call a “sammich” move.

What is the best part of derby in your opinion?
Learning what my body is capable of alongside of other women who are also learning what their bodies are capable of.

What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Heck, I have to say it: 3peat! Sorry, guys. Gotta gloat…

What are your 2010 derby goals?
I am looking forward to getting back on skates as soon as possible. This season I am going to be a Bench-bomber. Steve and I are expecting! There will be a little Slaughter in late July.

What skates are you currently using?
Minx 965s. They took a while to break in but I like ‘em.

Who do you miss that no longer skates for the league?
Obviously Collinwood Thunder and the Bombers we have lost along the way (Twiste’r, Deliliah…) But also skaters from season I such as Skellawhore, She-Rages and LaLa…

What are your thoughts in regards to the growth of this sport since you first started?
Who knew there would be “Talk derby to me” tee shirts at Spencer’s?!?

What hobbies do you have other than derby?
As if there was time for anything else! I am a graduate student planning to finish in May, and a mom/stepmom. The husband and I are remodeling our house, I guess that counts. I like snuggling with my dogs and dreaming about I will do with all of my spare time once I graduate.

What has derby done for you as an individual?
I try not to get emotional when I discuss the enormous impact that derby has made on me personally. Believe it or not, I was quite shy and reserved in my past life. I had never played sports and basically stuck to things I was already good at like reading and loafing. This sport and these girls helped me learn to push myself and I saw results that I could never have dreamed of. If I can line up on that pivot line in front of all those people and go head to head with the amazing athletes that I skate with, I know that I can do anything. Aside from motherhood, becoming a part of BRRG has been the single most life changing event I have ever experienced because of the confidence I have gained.

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