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Featured Skater of the Month, April 2017: Belligerent Bex

Derby name: Belligerent Bex, a nickname from high school that has stuck.

Derby number: 199 - it’s Tom Brady’s draft pick number. I’m also not a natural athlete and look ridiculous when I run, so I’ve always looked up to Tom Brady for going from a sixth-rounder to a five-time Super Bowl champ. The guy will never be an athlete, but with hard work and a ton of strategy knowledge he’s worked his way up among the greats. I’ve always felt like that’s an attainable goal for me.

How long have you been with LIRR?: This is my fourth season.

Which teams do you skate with?: I am the captain of the Rock-A-Betty Bruisers and the benchwarmer/rankings guru/stat rat of the All Stars.

How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I found LIRR after graduating from college and moving back to LI. I really didn’t have much else going on in my life at that point so I figured I’d give it a shot. I looked up roller derby on a whim and the Rebels just so happened to be having a boot camp that weekend. It totally changed my life.

What position(s) do you like to play?: I’m a track leader because I try to be knowledgeable and smart about strategy. Also my voice is suuuuuper loud.

What is your role within the league off the track?: This year I’m Vice President of the league and WFTDA representative. I also help out with some social media and game production stuff.

Favorite pre-bout meal?: Sometimes Ciguapa brings me an everything bagel with cream cheese and lox because I’m obviously a health nut.

Favorite post-bout drink?: One beer from the game keg while we close up for the night, one Jameson on the rocks when I finally make it to the afterparty.

Do you have a theme song?: I HAVE to listen to Lose Yourself by Eminem before every game. It started as a joke but now I can’t stop.

What is your proudest derby moment?: Probably being voted in as captain for the Bruisers this and last season. Every tiny improvement I’ve made since starting as the worst roller skater I’ve ever seen has been a total grueling battle for me, and to be at a level where people trust me to lead a team is amazing.  Same goes for getting a charter spot with the A team...it’s cool to have my hard work recognized.

Favorite derby memory?: My first season on the Bruisers in 2014, we were in reaaaally rough shape but we had a bunch of really fun away games. We got creamed every single time but we had one game against Shoreline in New London, CT where we pulled it together and actually won! Then we absolutely annihilated the after party. Basically every travel game/tournament is my favorite because this team is the best at road trips and after parties. It always feels like a huge party when we travel.

Anything else you'd like to add?: I really hope people come out and support us this season! I’ve worked with both the All Stars and the Bruisers and they’ve all been working like crazy to put together amazing teams this season, so every game should be an exciting one. And if you have any interest in derby, come to a recruitment event this summer! It’s like having an instant family.

[lirollerrebels]

Featured League Member of the Month, March 2017: Laughing Penguin, Announcer

Derby name: Laughing Penguin How long have you been involved in roller derby?: I first started attending games back in 2010, when I discovered there was roller derby on Long Island while researching events to place into a weekly newsletter. I went to my first derby recruitment event later that year, and have been doing it ever since. What made you decide to start announcing games?: At various stages I've done just about everything short of skating on a team: Referee, NSO, announcer, I've even built things like a track machine to help set up games. For the second game I was volunteering to staff they were having trouble finding an announcer, and with my background I thought I might be pretty good at it (I'll let others decide if that's true or not...) What do you think draws people to watch and participate in derby?: For starters, it's a fast, physical sport that can be really exciting to watch when you have a good game. Beyond that I've found the derby community to be really friendly and close-knit. The fans can get to know the players and people within a league get really close, so being a fan is more than just loyalty to a certain team, it can be really personal to watch.

What is your bout day ritual?: Singing really loudly in the car as a "warm up" on the way to the venue, sitting with the rosters during skater warm-ups so I can mentally run down who the players are just by a quick glance at the numbers on their backs, touching base with the various groups (team captains, head NSO, head referee, DJ, house band, vendors, bout production) to make sure I don't forget anything that needs to be mentioned during the game, and then finally a trip to the beer table for some hard cider. Good to go.

What was the most exciting game you've announced?: I like the games with big comebacks and close, last-jam finishes. Luckily I've been able to see a lot of games like that. One that really stands out was a Manhattan Mayhem vs. Brooklyn Bombshells game in Coney Island I got to make the calls for. The two teams are natural rivals to begin with, and the fans came out in force that day. It had gotten so loud in the venue I couldn't hear my co-announcer yelling right next to me, and in the end if I recall correctly it came down to a last second 2-point win for Manhattan (Mayhem for Life!) Do you have a favorite derby memory?: Almost too many to pick from... There was a game last year where the half time was a Junior Derby bout. At the end of the night I was cleaning up, and this young girl came up to the announcer area very excited, waving her jersey around to get my attention. The name on the jersey was Vicious Penguin. She had been playing earlier in the evening and really wanted to show how happy she was to find a fellow Penguin in derby, she was so adorable. I have a new little cousin now. =] Anything else you'd like to add?: I've met some people who have said how intimidating they feel it would be to have to stand out there with their voice going over the crowd, but I find it to be one of the most fun jobs to take on for game day. After you get used to juggling all of the announcements and sponsor mentions, I really just get to watch all the games and be the biggest, loudest fan in the venue. That's my favorite place to be.

photo credit: Rapid Shutter Photography, Rapid Shutter Photography, David Dyte

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Official of the Month, November 2016: Fantasmic

Derby name: Fantasmic I am obsessed with Disney.  Fantasmic is the nighttime firework light show at Disneyland Park and at Disney's Hollywood Studios.  Fantasmic is also the title of a song by Nightwish, a metal band featuring an operatic singer.  That song is also a giant reference to Disney.  Seemed fitting =) Most people call me Fanta - like the soda brand. How long have you been a non-skating official (NSO)?: First game was April 2010.  So I've been involved for 7 seasons. How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I was brought to a game in 2009 and was immediately hooked by the sport. I tried out for LIRR in Fall of 2009 and didn't make it into the squad.  I was offered the chance to be a NSO and haven't looked back since. What is/are your favorite position(s)? Explain what exactly it is you do!: Leave it to me to find the nerdiest thing about a sport and do it.  NSOs handle many "behind the scenes" type tasks that help a game run: recording penalties, recording score, operating a scoreboard, timing penalties, etc.  My favorite position is probably Penalty Tracking, which is a position that records every penalty called by the Skating Officials and verifies when a skater fouls out of a game.  It is in the middle of the track, so you feel like part of the action and is usually one of the busiest positions in the game.  Keeps you on your toes!

What is your bout day ritual?:This changes depending on which position I am assigned and whether I am the Head NSO or not.  Sometimes I brush up on the standard practices of a position, particularly if it has been a while since I have done it.   Whatever I can do before I get to the venue, I try to do days in advanced so I am less likely to forget - for example, making sure the paperwork is all printed.  Once at the venue, one of the first things I tend to do is set up the Scoreboard so that it is ready when fans enter, counting down to Time to Derby.

Do you have a theme song?: Not sure I really have one, but music that always gets me pumped or ready to move forward is the Entrance Music at Disney's Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida.  Yes, another Disney thing.

What is your proudest derby moment?: At Men's Roller Derby World Cup 2016, where I was one of the Crew Head NSO and had the privilege of working with and officiating for people from around the world.  At that tournament, our crew dealt with two rather challenging games where there were 124 and 126 penalties issued during the game and rocked it out.  I couldn't be prouder of my crew or my ability during that tournament. Favorite derby memory?: ECDX 2014. To sound cheesy, me and my now husband went on that trip as friends and spending all that time in the car, talking and having fun.   We were only friends then, but that would be the start of our relationship and getting close.  I'll never forget that car ride.

Can you tell our fans something they might not know about being a non-skating official?: It may not be the most glamorous position, but I feel it gives you the best perspective of the game.  NSOs touch every aspect of the game and are the statisticians.  Most of the positions are not difficult to do, but to master them takes time and practice, like anything else.  I love what I do and have been lucky enough to have traveled all across the United States and to parts of Canada to officiate.  If you are great, there are tons of opportunities to do more, make friends, and visit places you never would have otherwise.

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, October 2016: Violent Enjambment

Derby name: Violent Enjambment. Most people find my name confusing. It's a joke from grad school when I was getting my masters in poetry, and it just happens to make the best derby name. I love when fellow poetry nerds out themselves by laughing at it. Derby number: 2222 How long have you been with LIRR?: About 3 months. Which teams do you skate with?: LIRR is my team. But I love to skate any chance I can get. When I'm in Florida, I skate with GRR, Ocala, Deadly Rival, and whoever will let me sub! I bring my skates whenever I travel and contact the local team to see if they'll let me practice with them. They always do! It's so great to meet all the fantastic derby skaters in our community! How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I just moved here to start grad school. I was so excited to find a team nearby that was having tryouts right when I moved! And I really like my teammates. It's just been a great fit. What position(s) do you like to play?: Jammer all day! What is your role within the league off the track?: I don't have one yet.

Favorite pre-bout meal?: I have to eat before derby. Some players wait until after, but I need my food. So anything filling and delicious that will keep me going for every jam. Favorite post-bout drink?: Chocolate milk. It's the scientifically prove best protein source for after a workout. I live by that. Do you have a theme song?: "Move, Bitch" by Ludacris, "Bodies" by Drowning Pool, and "Time Warp" by Rocky Horror What is your proudest derby moment?: My first times jamming were with Ocala. I got annihilated again and again. It was so fucking motivating. I loved it. It made me the jammer I am today and want to be in the future. Favorite derby memory?: One of the first times my mom attended a game, she stood by turn 3, and every time I went around the track she screamed my real name. It was so clearly her and no one else would call me by that name in derby. I kept motioning to my back to my name on my jersey, but she just frowned at me like I was crazy. Finally, I screamed, "That's not my name!", as I skated by. The next time around I hear, "Go Violent Enjambment!" My full derby name. Everyone else call's me Vi. It was so funny. She's got it down now. Anything else you'd like to add?: I love skating with LIRR. I can't wait until next season!

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, September 2016: Gypsy Danger

Derby name: Gypsy Danger. Named after one of the jaegers (giant robots) in the movie Pacific Rim. (She was nuclear so we have a lot in common.)

Derby number: 77 It was the year Star Wars came out and 7 is my favorite number.

How long have you been with LIRR?: 2 years

Which teams do you skate with?: Rock-A-Betty Bruisers and the Wicked Wheelers. (toot toot!)

How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I went to an open skate night and the team was coming in to practice while I was leaving. I fell in love with the players and the sport then and there, but thought I’d just be a huge fan. Then my husband, who is my biggest fan, asked me the night before tryouts: “What are you going to tell our kids, that you were too afraid to try out?” He knows me better than I know myself as I’ve never loved a sport more.

What position(s) do you like to play?: Blocker, blocker, blocker. On the rare occasion I’ll jam because it’ll make me a better blocker.

What is your role within the league off the track?: I’m on the Board of Directors.

Favorite pre-bout meal?: An egg and cheese sandwich on a roll for lunch and a protein bar 2 hours before the bout

Favorite post-bout drink?: Hard cider. All of it. (Did someone say keg stand?)

Do you have a theme song?: Thunderstruck by AC/DC. It’s what I listened to right after I found out I made the team.

What is your proudest derby moment?: Passing my skills test. I’m a bit of a crier, so I sobbed like a child, but it was definitely one of my proudest moments.

Favorite derby moment?: Just one? Cant’t do it. The friendships I’ve made, the laughter, the incredible acceptance of my dorky heart, it all adds up to something amazing.

Anything else you’d like to add?: The only “sports” I did befofe this was softball as a kid and a semester of track in high school. This sport has made me realize that everyone does have a tribe out there and this one is one of the best.

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, August 2016: Hammer of Thori

Derby name: Hammer of Thori

Derby number: 75

How long have you been with LIRR?: I’ve been with LIRR for two years.

Which teams do you skate with?: I skate with the All Stars and am a co-captain of the Rock a Betty Bruisers.

How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: Playing roller derby had been a dream of mine since I saw it on tv when I was a kid. I’ve always been a skater, first a competitive figure skater, then roller blader, so getting involved in another skating sport felt natural.

What position(s) do you like to play?: I block and occasionally jam

What is your role witin the league off the track?: I am Hospitality Chair.

Favorite pre-bout meal?: All the pasta

Favorite post-bout drink?: Water

What is your proudest derby moment?: My proudest derby moment was being rostered for an All Star game!

Favorite derby memory?: My favorite derby memory is finding out I made the team!

Anything else you’d like to add?: Roller derby saved my soul

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, June 2016: Merry Death Star 

Derby name: Merry Death Star

Derby number: 4

How long have you been with LIRR?: This is my 3rd season

Which teams do you skate with?: All Stars, Bruisers, Thundercats

How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I got an email advertising a game and decided to reach out about joining. I wanted to join because it seemed like a good way to stay active and be part of a (sports) team. I found it’s hard to find that as an adult.

What position(s) do you like to play?: I like jamming the most, but I block more now.

What is your role within the league off the track?: President, Attendance/Dues, Coaching

Favorite pre-bout meal?: Banana

Favorite post-bout drink?: Water! then cider

Do you have a theme song?: Aside from the Imperial March? I’m really into SIA right now.

What is your proudest derby moment?: MVP Jammer in my first season on the Bruisers.

Favorite derby memory?: There are so many! I’d say one of my favorite memories is this past year’s Holiday Party. It was a blast! There was an impromptu full contact game of musical chairs. I didn’t win, but there’s always next year.

Anything else you’d like to add?: This sport is amazing. Not only has being part of the league challenged me physically, being so active behind the scenes has helped me grow personally and professionally. 

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Official of the Month, May 2016: Yours TruLeigh

Derby name: Yours TruLeigh. When I was a kid, I had a penpal from Quebec because of my French class. He always said it was funny that I signed my letters (yes they were handwritten back then), with Yours Truly, and then my name. He told me to just shorten it, and it became a running joke ever since. I find it funnier now that I can use it and it makes sense!

How long have you been a nonskating official (NSO)?: Mid-3rd season

How/why did you get involved with the Long Island Roller Rebels?: I had seen a few bouts before, thought it was incredible, but never thought it was something I can join. My best friend came with me to a bout in February 2014, and we actually sat down with Thin Slice of Violence who explained the game a little more clearly for us, and invited us back to the next game to volunteer. We showed up a few weeks later, and spoke with Gertie Bomb. She heard that I didn’t think I would ever tryout as a skater, so she sat me down in the middle of the track in front of Fanta, Head NSO at the time, and said, “I have a new minion for you!” I’ve been held captive ever since :-p

What is/are your favorite position(s)? Explain what exactly it is you do!: I absolutely love Jam Timing. I keep the jam and period clocks going, make sure they stop on time for timeouts, and blow the whistle to start each jam. Sometimes I even get to blow the whistle to END the jam!

Favorite pre-bout meal?: A chicken bowl with double guacamole from Chipotle, or almost anything from Panera

Favorite post-bout drink?: Double Jack and Ginger, a Victory Golden Monkey, or Magic Hat #9.

Do you have a theme song?: “War Child” by Hollywood Undead, although Fanta, one of our Head NSOs will say “Bye Bye Bye” by *NSYNC since anytime I hear it, I drop everything and do the entire dance, no matter where I am!

What is your proudest derby moment?: Jam Timing for Mohawk Valley Cup, a men’s tournament upstate this past summer. 6 games over two days. It’s a bit more nerve-racking in a tournament since you’re under heavy scrutiny, sometimes even on TV!

Favorite derby memory?: I Penalty Box Managed for the first time at a Gotham Girls home teams game. It means I time the Jammers when they come into the Penalty Box. There are special rules and circumstances for when both Jammers  come in, so you always have to be on your toes. Suzy Hotrod, a pretty famous skater for the Gotham Girls, as well as in the derby community, was coming into the box a little too fast, and and ended up in my lap instead of in the chair. I said, “I’m a really big fan, but you need to get off of me.” She apologized, moved over, and said, “No offense, but I hope I don’t have to see you again until the after party.” We laughed it off, and I’ll never forget it.

Can you tell our fans something they might not know about being a non-skating official?: We are very much like the stage crew for the derby world. We are the behind the scenes, we are the paperwork, the game doesn’t function without our help.

Anything else you’d like to add?: Derby has given me an escape that I desperately needed from an otherwise mundane life. Joining this league has opened up an entire new world of opportunies for me, as well as given me forever friends. I have sisters and brothers from around the world now, both skating and nonskating. We are ONE family. 

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, April 2016: Femme&M

Derby name: Femme&M

Derby number: 30

How long have you been with LIRR?: 3 years (+last year I skated with Suburbia Roller Derby)

Which teams do you skate with?: LIRR All Stars and the Wicked Wheelers (toot toot!)

How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I saw Suburban Brawl play at SUNY Purchase and without any idea of what was happening on the track immediately knew I wanted to be a part of this sport. I found the Roller Rebels online, bought cheap skates from Modells, and signed up for the bootcamp. I think I ended up crying every time I had those skates on- I was afraid to start skating because I didn’t know how to stop. Now I just don’t want to stop because I’m obsessed. 

What position(s) do you like to play?: I have a love/hate relationship with jamming

What is your role within the league off the track?: Self-proclaimed unofficial lipstick advisor and head coach

Favorite pre-bout meal?: Broccoli and onions, sorry!

Favorite post-bout drink?: If it’s free it’s for me.

Do you have a theme song?: No, but if I did I think it might be I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston

What is your proudest derby moment?: My proudest derby moment is probably just that I didn’t pee myself in my first jam as a jammer in a sanctioned game. Also proud that very jam my team scored 29 points!

Favorite derby memory?: There is really too much to choose from!

Anything else you’d like to add?: Come watch me play my derby wife, Nautical Vile of CTRG, on Saturday(4/9)!

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, March 2016: Thin Slice of Violence

Derby name: Thin Slice of Violence

Derby number: 3143. My number is part of the dental formula for a dog - the face is sectioned into quadrants; in the mandible each quadrant has 3 incisors, 1 canine, 4 premolars, and 3 molars.

How long have you been with LIRR?: Since mid-season 2012.

What teams do you skate with?: All Stars and the Ladies of Laceration home team. 

How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I transferred from Auburn, Alabama’s Burn City Rollers in 2012. I wanted to keep skating when I moved to Long Island and I like the team...I made sure there was a team here before I took the job.

What position(s) do you play?: I enjoy jamming and pivoting.

What is your role within the league off the track?: Slacker. I am not currently on a committee

Favorite pre-bout meal?: Haven’t settled on a favorite. I can’t carb load...it makes me feel sluggish.

Favorite post-bout drink?: Coffee...always coffee...

Do you have a theme song?: I have shameful taste in music. When I get ready for a game I listen to booty dancing club music.

What is your proudest derby moment?: Any time I land an apex jump!

Favorite derby memory?: The All Star game against Forest City last year. It was a one point game!

Anything else you’d like to add?: I am super excited about this season! We are going to have a great year, so come out and enjoy it with us!

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skaters of the Month, January 2016: MEET THE MEAT!

To ring in the new year, we are featuring not one skater, but four! Welcome our four newest Bruisers, who passed their skills test last fall and are beginning their rookie season. From left to right: Star Fox #64, A. Kait #47, Indiana Bones #123, and Jedi Mind Trix #501. No full interview this month, because our fans have the opportunity to MEET THE MEAT tomorrow, Friday, January 29 at 8 pm, at the Leaky Lifeboat in Seaford. There is a $30 open bar, raffles, and a welcoming ceremony! Come meet the newest skaters and support local roller derby while you’re at it! 

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, November 2015: Betty or Not

Derby name: Betty or Not

Derby number: 33

How long have you been with LIRR?: 5 seasons with a baby break

Which teams do you skate with?: Wicked Wheelers, LIRR Allstars

How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I saw another local team play and knew I had to give it a try.  After just a few practices with the Rebels, I was in love with the sport and the people. Like a romantic comedy story line with more body checking.

What position(s) do you like to play?: Blocking please

What is your role within the league off the track?: Being positive and helping out when possible.  I also will soon be your go to person to buy all things Roller Rebels.

Favorite pre-bout meal?: Soy Chicken Nuggets, Banana, and Body Armour

Favorite post-bout drink?: Whatever alcoholic beverage I can get my hands on the fastest.

Do you have a theme song?: Ready or not, here I come.  Gonna find you and make you fear me - The Fugees

What is your proudest derby moment?: That time I knocked down two girls twice my size off the line like bowling pins.

Favorite derby memory?: Getting to play amazing teams like the Berlin Bombshells, and all the away game shenanigans.

Anything else you'd like to add?:  Come check out our game this month, and wear green!

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, October 2015: MURDERBUS

Derby name: MURDERBUS

Derby number: 187

How long have you been with LIRR?: One and a half years. 2015 was my first full season with the league.

Which teams do you skate with?: LIRR All Stars and the Wicked Wheelers (toot toot!)

How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I had been playing derby for a couple of years with another league and wanted to get more involved in WFTDA; I wanted to play sanctioned games for rankings, go to tournaments, and become more active in the wide world of derby.

What position(s) do you like to play?: I like them all! Mostly I wear the stripe cover as a pivot.

What is your role in the league off the track?: WFTDA representative and "hay guys do you wanna try this weird thing I saw this D1 team do?" 

Favorite pre-bout meal?: Red Bull

Favorite post-bout drink?: whatever Gypsy or Puck snuck into the locker room

Do you have a theme song?: Tay Tay "Shake it Off" (aerobics video version) or Mountain Goats "This Year" (but the live version with horns)

What is your proudest derby moment?: Making it onto the LIRR All Star team this past season, which let me play some really exciting roller derby this year.

Favorite derby memory?: Playing the Bad Apples in June and attempting to block some of my favorite NY skaters like Hela Skelter and ShadowboxHer. That was intense, but a lot of fun. 

Anything else you’d like to add? #weargreen

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, September 2015: Chest Blockwell

Derby name: Chest Blockwell. The name came from John C. Reilly's character in Boogie Nights.

Derby number: 7

How long have you been with LIRR?: 8 1/2 seasons

Which teams do you skate with?: All Stars and the Thundercats

How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: My friend played in Jersey and I watched her and was instantly hooked!

What position(s) do you like to play?: Inside, outside, f-er up-er (lol), sweeper

What is your role within the league off the track?: Head coach and Thundercats captain

Favorite pre-bout meal?: Steamed chicken and veggies

Favorite post-bout drink?: Jack and a Stella

Do you have a theme song?: Yup, Slayer - Reigning Blood or Machine Head - Ten Ton Hammer

What is your proudest derby moment?: Scoring points jamming against Carolina Rollergirls. Getting called for destroying the pack after knocking down all the other teams blockers all at once!

Favorite derby memory?: I have a lot, can't pick just one. I think watching all the girls start from freshies and watching them grow, it’s a personal coaching high for me!!

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, August 2015: Wushu Sugar

Derby name: Wushu Sugar. I was training in Kung Fu.  My instructor didn’t know english and I was just coming from the south, and at the time I called everyone Sugar. He was confused and asked someone in Chinese “Why does this yellow hair training in Wushu call everyone Sugar” The only thing the students heard was Wushu Sugar.. It was funny. you had to be there ;)

Derby number: 6

How long have you been with LIRR?: 3 seasons

Which teams do you skate with?: Rock-A-Betty Bruisers and the Ladies of Laceration

How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: Because I was too old to join a sorority

What position(s) do you like to play?: Blocker

What is your role within the league off the track?: I am the Head of PR and the Captain of the Rock-a-Betty Bruisers

Favorite pre-bout meal?: Bananas, pre workout slushie and GU

Favorite post-bout drink?: 1/2 gallon of water followed by NOT YOUR FATHERS ROOT BEER

Do you have a theme song?: no

What is your proudest derby moment?: When I hit Kate Sera way out of bounds and I heard one of the announcers say “Wushu Sugar Just knocked Kate into next week, she’s going to feel that one in the morning” I don’t know if she did but I felt it in my hips for a week. Still felt pretty good though

Favorite derby memory?: That moment when you win. Especially when you win by a point or two.. Everything for me all of sudden goes in slow motion and my entire team just skates to each other!  I wish I could live in that moment forever.

Anything else you'd like to add?: We are all one big family. Its not just a team. The Long Island Roller Rebels are a sorority of women (see, I kinda got to join a sorority) that ANYONE would actually want to be around. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows, because not everyone in the world can get along, but at the end of the day, these women are just plain cool.

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, June 2015: Cthu’Lou

Derby name: Cthu'Lou

Derby number: 32 - it rhymes!

How long have you been with LIRR?: 3 seasons

Which teams do you skate with?: All-Stars, Ladies of LacerationHow/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I was looking for a cross-training sport for Fencing, which I had been doing competitively through college, and skating seemed like a sensical idea. It took a lot of falling on my butt, but I quickly fell in love with this sport!

What position(s) do you like to play?: Jammer / Pivot

What is your role within the league off the track?: Secretary of the Board

Favorite pre-bout meal?: Spicy yams and all the caffeine.

Favorite post-bout drink?: Yam... smoothie? I like yams.

Do you have a theme song?: "The Call of Ktulu" by Metallica (https://youtu.be/t1RTgznup5c)

What is your proudest derby moment?: The first time I got lead jammer and scored points for my team

Favorite derby memory?: Surviving my first away game as a Bruiser

Anything else you'd like to add?: Roller derby is R'Lyeh fun ~^(;,,;)^~

[lirollerrebels]

Featured Skater of the Month, May 2015: Account DeeRacula

Derby name: Account DeeRacula

Derby number: #16, it's the same number I've had for every sport I have ever played. It's my birthday.

How long have you been with LIRR?: This is my fourth season.

Which teams do you skate with?: All Stars and Ladies of Laceration

How/why did you get involved with LIRR?: I was skateboarding and ran into C-Roll and she told me to join.

What position(s) do you like to play?: Blocker

What is your role within the league off the track?: Coaching, Board of Directors

Favorite pre-bout meal?: Pasta

Favorite post-bout drink?: Water. All of it.

Do you have a theme song?: No, but I have a theme dance :-)

What is your proudest derby moment?: The first time I turned around and actually put someone on their ass.

Favorite derby memory?: Road trips

Anything else you'd like to add?: I've met some of the most amazing people on this journey and every day I'm thankful for the friends I get to walk away with.