Skater Spotlight – Chelada Gama

Gama is a Chelada, training to become an Enforcer (referee) with the LA Derby Dolls.

LADD: You are currently a Chelada, training to become an Enforcer, a referee with the LA Derby Dolls.  How do you feel about the experience so far?  How would you describe Chelada life to an outsider who does not know what it is? 

Gama: The experience has been awesome! The Enforcers are an amazing group of refs with years of experience and to be learning from them and working alongside them is just amazing. They are so professional. 

LADD: Which Enforcers in particular have you worked with, and what has the experience been like learning from them?

Gama: As Cheladas we work very closely with our Chelada parents (Shaolin Punk and Tricky Ricardo). We have had classes from Gia de los Muertos, Roger Assaultrey, and Hurtin’ Ernie. Also have worked alongside almost all the Enforcers! With all the years of experience they have, learning from them and seeing them learn from each other makes you want to improve and practice just that much more at every class and scrimmage.  It makes you want to do your best always!!

LADD: Have you chosen a derby name yet, or are you tossing around any ideas for potential names?

Gama: I have not yet chosen a derby name but indeed am thinking of some names. It will definitely have that Spanish sabor to it!

LADD: How long does it typically take for one to be drafted as an Enforcer while in the Chelada training program?

Gama: It can take five months to a year to be drafted.

LADD: How did you hear about becoming a referee and what made you decide to do it?

Gama: A friend of mine told me about it. I decided to do this for me and my community. Roller derby and becoming an Enforcer is something positive that has come to our community (El Sereno) and being able to be a part of this is just a real honor.  

LADD: Do you think it takes a certain type of personality to become a referee?  What traits would the Enforcer team be looking for in a future referee?

Gama: You have to have confidence because when you make those calls or count them points and doubt yourself you may have a bad game. But having confidence in yourself and the team around you is what's needed.

LADD: What do you do for fun when away from the track?

Gama: For fun I recently started fishing, and if there's a good metal show in town that's where I'll be!!

LADD: What are some of your favorite bands?

Gama: My favorite bands I have tattooed on me, Metallica, A7X, Atreyu, and Bleeding Through. Music plays a big part in my life. Like my family, it's helped me get through bad times, and see the light again in the dark times...

LADD: How do you feel about flat track roller derby?  Have you been to games at other leagues?

Gama: I have seen a couple of clips of flat track derby but I much prefer banked track. No I have never been to any other league games.

LADD: What is your favorite part about working with the Derby Dolls?

Gama: The best part is… I'm not going to lie when I say this but… everything is my favorite part! Being inside the Dollosseum, watching scrimmages, going to Enforcer class, yelling and selling cupcakes at the bouts. Working with the league for events here in the community.  

LADD: Tell us a secret about yourself that few people know about you.

Gama: Well saying this now everyone will know but uh… I have a deviated septum and can breathe just fine.

LADD: Are you a part of the neighborhood council for El Sereno?  Can you explain what that is and how long you have been doing it?

Gama: Yes I am a part of the neighborhood council for LA32.  The neighborhood council is a group of residents, who live or work in the boundaries of 90032 who are elected by their neighbors to represent them and be their representatives. Bringing issues to our councilmember and working alongside them to help better our community. I have been representing the East Area for the past year and a half now.

LADD: How have the Derby Dolls worked with the residents of El Sereno, our new home?

Gama: They have helped with clean ups, participated with our community in our chalk festival, 4th of July parade, bringing together a free Health Fair for the community which was really awesome. And we are looking forward to more projects to collaborate on!

Skater Spotlight: Serena Killams

Serena is a new skater with the LA Junior Derby Dolls.  If you know someone aged 7-17 who is interested in participating in our junior derby program, visit:http://juniors.derbydolls.com/

LADD: How old are you?  What is your derby name, number, and story behind how you came up with it?

SK: 10 years old, Serena Killams #187, my family thinks that I look like Serena Williams with my muscles and all.

LADD: How did you first learn about roller derby?

SK: My mother, Black Mom-Ba, plays and I always watch her.

LADD: How long have you been skating?

SK: Officially 2 months… lol.

LADD: What made you want to try roller derby?

SK: I always watched my mom, and her old league didn’t have a junior derby team… When I saw the LA Junior Derby Dolls I told my mom I have to play, please sign me up.

LADD: Adult skaters often talk about the roller derby community being like a second family.  Is junior roller derby like having another family?

SK: Yes, because it’s easy to make friends.  I like coming to practice and seeing all the other skaters, and we talk and skate and learn together and we laugh and have so much fun!

LADD: Do you spend time with junior skaters away from the track?

SK: No not yet, I haven't had the chance to exchange numbers with anyone yet.

LADD: Do you do anything else for fun besides roller derby?

SK: Yes I play soccer at school.

LADD: What is your favorite movie and how many times have you seen it?

SK: Troop Beverly Hills, hmm… about 20 times.

LADD: Is there an adult skater you look up to... who you want to be like when you grow up?

SK: I look up to Purrfect becuase she is fun, outgoing… and I have fun in classes.... but I want to be like my mom when I grow up.

LADD: What do your friends at school say when you tell them you play roller derby?

SK: They ask me if it’s fun and if it’s similar to the sports they play, and then they say they want to do it.

LADD: What would you say to someone who is considering trying out for junior roller derby but they are unsure whether it is for them or not?

SK: Just try it, you never know if you’re going to like [it] until you try.

LADD: What do you like most about playing roller derby?

SK: It’s really fun and it keeps me active… It builds confidence because roller derby is scary, but when I do it, I realize it’s not so bad, and I get better every practice.

LADD: What was the last book you read?

SK: Bartholomew and the Big Wind.

LADD: How would you describe the roller derby community to someone who is not a part of it?

SK: The roller derby community is cool, everyone is very fun and always excited.

LADD: Tell us a secret about you that feel people know (even your mom!).

SK: I sneak snacks to school often.

LADD: What do you wish someone had told you about roller derby before you started playing it?

SK: The things I can do on the flat track are not so easy to do on the banked. The banked track is very challenging.