Interview with Windy City Rollers’ Jackie Daniels- Last Chance to Attend March Radness Training Camp in LA!

 Photo by Boss Hogg

Jackie Daniels is an All-Star blocker, jammer, and all around good time derby gal.  She’s been rocking the Midwest with her skating for the last five years, and will be making a special guest appearance in Southern California to lead classes at next week’s March Radness Camp.  We talked to Jackie about switching leagues, switching tracks, and why she never misses a chance to party with the the L.A. Derby Dolls.

You can train with Jackie and other fantastic skaters from all over the country, as well as try out the banked track, from March 4-7 in LA.  More information and tickets are available here.

Q:  How long have you been playing roller derby?  How did you first get involved with the sport?

JD:  I joined and helped build Grand Raggidy Roller Girls in May of 2005.  We played our first bout (standing straight up) in April of 2006.  I read an article about derby coming back in major cities and just knew it was for me (I have no idea why; I hadn't seen it, nor did I know anything, but I would not stop talking about doing it).  I was afraid it wouldn't happen in Grand Rapids, but soon found out it was just getting started on a very small scale.

Q:  You recently relocated from Grand Rapids to Chicago, and from the Grand Raggidy Roller Girls to the Windy City Rollers.  How has the transition been?

JD:  The transition is great.  I feel my agility increasing significantly, as I am more scared of getting hit WAY hard by more girls- ha!  Not that GR girls don't hit hard, but there's a big difference in a league of 25 vs. 90+ skaters.  It feels great to have more coaching and opinions available.  I am on one committee vs. several and I am loving feeling less pressure in that arena after a long time on Board of Directors.  WCR has been very welcoming and I am SO happy to be with them.  It's completely, completely different, in a great way, and it feels really like a perfect fit. 

Q:  You normally skate flat track, but have a healthy respect for the bank.  What do you see as biggest difference between banked and flat track derby?

JD:  Mostly strategy.  You really need to rethink your game when shorter jams, faster laps and different advantages due to the bank are all new things coming at you.  It all makes sense that these would come into play, but you just need to remember plan for it, even though you just wanna get out there!

Q:  What’s the most important thing for newer skaters to think about when learning the game?   What do you think vets can always get better at?

JD:  Fundamentals and a positive attitude are huge assets to take you where you need to be regardless of the point you are at in your athletic career.   Working hard with a positive attitude is a huge contribution to your team at the early or later stages of skill.  I am constantly learning, even if I attend a beginner class, it seems I take something away.  There is always something to be gained from each experience.  Putting yourself in the position to have as many experiences as possible really helps growth- whether that be attending all of your leagues practices you can, adding camps, watching nearby various bouts, watching DNN online bouts, etc. 

Q:  Why is March Radness camp in LA a derby event that’s not to be missed?

JD:  LA knows how to get down; they just know how to do an event right. They are gracious hosts and wonderful planners.  They've always come out 110% each time I have practiced with, played against, played with or spectated a game with LADD.  I have no doubt that they’ll pull off one the best training camps to attend.  I try dang hard to not miss anything stamped Derby Dolls.

Q:  If there were a banked track league in Chicago, would you join?

JD:  Hmmm... I'd try to do both.  If I couldn't, I'd stick with WCR, cause I'm just a loyal lady (maybe the lady part isn't exactly accurate) and any banked track league would have a serious challenge to compete with the love in my heart for Derby Dolls.

Q:  What’s the hardest part about roller derby?

JD:  Not being able to be everywhere at once.  In so many ways.

Q:  Boxers or briefs?

JD:  I like to wear baggy briefs.

Interview with San Diego’s Bonnie D. Stroir- Tickets on sale now for March Radness Training Camp in LA!

Photo By Charlie Shutterthug Chu

Bonnie D. Stroir is an All-Star blocker, jammer, and the founder of the San Diego Derby Dolls, the nation's first hybrid banked and flat track roller derby league.  She will be leading classes at this year’s March Radness Camp.  We talked to Bonnie about the difference between banked and flat track, what it takes to become an All-Star, and why this year’s training camp is going to be awesome. 

You can train with Bonnie and other fantastic skaters from all over the country, as well as try out the banked track, from March 4-7 in LA.  More information and tickets are available here. 

Q:  How long have you been playing roller derby?  How did you first get involved?

BD:  I got started with L.A. Derby Dolls in October of 2003.  There was no roller derby in San Diego yet, so I had to commute for my ass kickings.

Q:  What’s the biggest difference between banked and flat track derby?

BD:  Banked track is much faster.  The average time it takes for a jammer to exit the pack and re-enter is 3 seconds faster on average in banked track.

That doesn't sound like much, but in an average 37 second jam, 3 seconds can make the difference between being prepared and getting smoked.  I think that's partly why flat track skaters have a hard time making the adjustment sometimes.

Q:  What do you think skaters can gain from learning to skate both?

BD:  Slowing things down on the flat ground is good for banked skaters, because it's a way crueler workout, endurance-wise, to have to push your own ass around the track for 2 whole minutes.

But as far as strategy goes, I consider banked track going from dial up to cable internet.  Teams have to click and react NOW, not after some time for careful consideration.  Learning to think fast like that should appeal to anyone who feels they've hit a plateau in their derby career.

Q:  What’s the most important thing for newer skaters to think about when learning the game?   What do you think vets can always get better at?

BD:  Everyone needs more agility, and more endurance.  You can never get enough of either; it's the difference between a first half team and a full time team.

Q:  What does it take to turn an average skater into an All-Star?

BD:  There's this point where you just sort of... click into gear.  You go from just going through the motions at practice to actively making things happen and understanding why.  I think it has to happen in a game.  There's a breakthrough game for everyone who becomes an All-Star, where afterwards you're like... "Yah, I freakin' get it now!"

I think that's something that happens within; you can't really teach it.  It's like hitting your stride, self confidence-wise.

Q:  Why is March Radness camp in LA a derby event that’s not to be missed?

BD:  Any time there's a training camp, you wanna be there, especially if you have a chance to learn from people like Jawbreaker, and Bonnie Thunders.  Camps are so fun; you're completely immersed in your thing, with your people.

Not only that, anyone who hasn't had the chance to scrimmage on a banked track yet should take every advantage of the opportunity!

Q:  What’s the worst injury you’ve sustained?  How about the worst injury you’ve given?

BD:  I don't like to think too much about (manifest) injuries.  But I've had my share of sprained and separated things, but you know, that's just part of sports.  You heal and move on.  Hopefully a little smarter!

Q:  Answer honestly: which is better, flat track or banked?

BD:  I've always tried to acknowledge the importance of everyone's derby. I'll always go where the competition is, too.  But let me just say, if I could give the whole world a banked track, I surely would!

Interview with Tough Cookies’ Iron Maiven- Tix on sale now for Tough Cookies vs. Fight Crew Feb. 13!

Photo by Charlie ShutterThug Chu 

Tough Cookies Captain Iron Maiven has led her troop of rough and tumble Girl Scouts to victory at Championships for the last two years- the only repeat winners in Derby Dolls’ history.  With Co-Captain Gori Spelling, Maiven wants to lead the Cookies to an unprecedented third championship in 2010.  We talked to Maiven about her leadership strategy, the challenges her team faces this season, and her favorite flavor cookie. 

You can see Maiven and the Tough Cookies take on the Fight Crew on February 13- tickets are on sale NOW here.  We WILL sell out!

Q:  This is your fourth year as captain.  How have the Tough Cookies changed under your leadership?  

IM:  I think my leadership has changed, which has in turn affected the team.  Motivating, offering constructive criticism, and encouraging while still maintaining discipline is a difficult balance that four years has allowed me to perfect.  The team decides what the team wants to do at our practices, how we train, what we study, how we strategize.  It’s a group effort, but it’s my job to take their ideas and goals and find ways to get us to achieve those goals through specific drills and discussions.  I think we're doing a pretty good job, don't you?  Ha ha ha...

Q:  What are the biggest challenges that the Tough Cookies will face in 2010? 

IM:  The biggest challenge we face right now is the drive and hunger other teams have for a win against us.    

We watched the Swarm join our 2009 season and just destroy our other teams; it actually took the spotlight off us, for once.  We were already the 2008 champions, but the Swarm seemed to present a bigger threat than we did.  That was our motivation last season, beating the competition.  Now, in 2010, I fear we're perceived that way, as the biggest threat.  And that kind of perception can generate some serious competition. 

And the counter to that is that it’s a lot harder to pump up the team when we already have 2 trophies, when we already defeated the undefeated, when we already proved we can walk in the underdogs and take the gold.  We can't get big heads about this season; we need to remember that we are 0-0 like 3 other teams.  Right now Varsity Brawlers are ahead of us with 1 win! 

Q:  You’ve been off skates with a knee injury since last fall.  Has this changed your perspective on leading and training your team? 

IM:  Being injured has allowed me to step back and WATCH my team.  When you're a captain AND a skater, you're constantly trying to critique while skating.  You miss a lot because you are on the track with the team and can only see what's going on within your pack.  Being able to step back and watch from the infield has created new strategy and skills I've implemented in our training.    

Q:  The Cookies are LA Derby Dolls’ first repeat champions.  How do you plan to continue your dominance in 2010?  

IM:  It’s difficult to set goals when you're the first team to win back-to-back championships, against odds that didn't appear to be in our favor.  This year the Cookies are putting a focus on individuals.  So many Tough Cookie team skaters have stepped up to the challenge of maintaining championship status by upping their personal skills.  I'd like to see more "hybrid skaters" on the Cookies, meaning we all skate offensive and defensive positions, and do both WELL. 

I have some other goals in mind that will help us push ourselves, but I fear if I mention them, I'll have four teams joining forces to bring us down.  Ha!  You'll have to come out and see what we have up our little Girl Scout sleeves!

Q:  What do you admire most about Fight Crew? 

IM:  I admire Fight Crew's strength, experience, and leadership.   Haught Wheels and Janis Choplin are two of my biggest idols in the league.  Haught Wheels is a teacher and an all around amazing skater.   Her accomplishments within this league, in such a short amount of time, on top of her day job, are motivating to me.  Janis Choplin is a fitness instructor, constantly pushing the league to new training, starting both Punk Rope and Derby Por Vida, opening up our facility to the community and skaters.  I seek leadership, rules, and training advice from both, and when we're not about to duke it out on the track, our teams often practice together and manage for one another.  It is always a difficult bout for the Tough Cookies both because of the level of competition, and the level of friendship we have.

Q:  Which flight attendant are you looking forward to taking down? 

IM:  Oh gee, well, I can't physically take anyone down, so I'm just looking forward to bringing some strategy to the bout that Fight Crew doesn't expect.  Fight Crew is incredibly savvy on their rules, and their strategy and skating style reflect that in their bouts.  I'm hoping that we are indeed one step ahead of them and can mess with their heads and packs a bit with what we have to bring. 

Q:  What’s your favorite kind of cookie? 

IM:  Mmmmmmmmmmmm, my favorite cookie is chocolate chocolate chip.  The more chocolate, the better! 

Q:  Describe the 2010 Tough Cookies in 5 words or less. 

IM:  Fierce, aggressive, athletes, fun, CHAMPIONS!!!!!  

Interview with Fight Crew's Janis Choplin- Tix on sale now for Fight Crew vs. Tough Cookies Feb. 13!

 Photo By Charlie ShutterThug Chu

As captain of the Fight Crew, Janis Choplin has pushed her team of fight attendants to keep the skies unfriendly for the last year.  With Co-Captain Haught Wheels, Choppy is ready to take Fight Crew to new heights of violence in 2010.  We talked to Choppy about her strategy for the season, what she’d like to do to the Tough Cookies, and her favorite way to fly.  Her answers are just like her:  short, Canadian, and sweet but deadly.   

You can see Choppy and the Fight Crew take on the Tough Cookies on February 13- tickets are on sale NOW here.  Get yours now- we WILL sell out!

Q:  This is your second year as captain.  What lessons did you learn last season, and what (if anything) do you plan to do differently in 2010?

JC:  Amazing official scrimmage afterparties are the key to success. We are going to get a velvet rope and a bouncer to keep out the riff raff.

Q:   What are the biggest challenges that the Fight Crew will face in 2010?

JC:  Dealing with the haters when we win all of our games. 

Q:  Your team last won championships in 2006.  What will take for the Fight Crew to take back the trophy in 2010?

JC:  Our strategy for getting to champs this year is winning our games by being an unstoppable sea of red on the track.

Q:  What do you admire most about the Cookies?

JC:  They are delicious with a cold glass of milk. 

Q:  What Cookie are you most looking forward to taking down? 

JC:  All of them- why stop at one!

Q:  What’s your favorite airline?

JC:  Air Canada.

Q:  Describe the 2010 Fight Crew in 5 words or less.

JC:  We are champions.