Skater Spotlight: Remix to Submission

This Skater Spotlight is on Remix to Submission, co-captain of your Fight Crew! Photo courtesy of Grant Palmer Photography.

LADD: What is the story behind your derby name and number?

Remix: Remix to Submission is a play on the classic tune remix to “Ignition” by R&B sensation R. Kelly. 715 is the area code of northern Wisconsin - what I consider my home.

LADD: Does that song have special meaning to you?

Remix: It's my go-to karaoke song, either that or Ludacris’ “Girls Gone Wild.”

LADD: Do you participate in any committees within the league, outside of being the team co-captain?

Remix: I'm head of Door, a member of Training Team and a Fresh Meat momma.

LADD: Previously, you were a coach for a Baby Doll Brawl.  How did you feel about that experience and could you envision yourself becoming a full-time coach later down the line?

Remix: I really enjoy seeing people grow within and become empowered by the sport of roller derby. Being able to pass on the joys of the game is incredibly rewarding. I would love to coach, but have a lot to still learn before taking on that role.

LADD: Who has been the most influential skater in your development and what did they teach you?

Remix: Sweetie (from the Sirens)… although she has probably no idea. We started skating at the same time and through her unwavering work ethic, she improved much faster than me. She really pushed me to work harder and improve my skating.

LADD:  Did you have any skating experience prior to LADD?

Remix: My 17th birthday party was at a roller rink.

LADD: Within two years you've gone from minimal skating experience to being a home team co-captain?  That's remarkable progress for someone new to skating!  How much time did you spend practicing your skating?  Did Derby Por Vida have a big role in your skills development?

Remix: I skated whenever I could, whether it was at Derby Por Vida, at Moonlight Rollerway or in a parking lot. DPV had a huge role… I'm glad that I went through it more than once; I felt much more comfortable on skates than before skating the classes.

LADD: What scares you?

Remix: Olives and making decisions in a chocolate shop.

LADD: Share with us a secret that few people know about you

Remix: I've been to the arctic circle twice.

LADD: Your facepaint in-game is always on point.  Did anything inspire you to achieve that distinct look?

Remix: I have to give credit to my boyfriend for the idea--the x is for the x in remix.

LADD: Are you a fan of other sports outside of derby?

Remix: I'm from Wisconsin where football is king.  Not watching the Packers and Badgers is considered a sin. I also grew up playing soccer and waterskied on a show team.

LADD: Whenever we see a picture of you in-game, you appear to be one of the angriest skaters on the track.  Would you consider yourself an angry person off the track?  If not, what causes you to enter Beast Mode?

Remix: <chuckles> When I played soccer, everyone always said I wasn't aggressive enough, and my dad has called me a flat liner on numerous occasions (aka I have a 'subtle' personality).  So, no I wouldn't call myself angry off the track… maybe slightly crotchety. That being said, I'm a competitive person and want my team to do well, which may explain the intensity seen in photos.

LADD: Has your dad seen you play derby live?  Does he still consider you a flat liner on the track? 

Remix: My dad has flown in from Wisconsin for a few games so far (my mom has only missed two of my games - that's commitment; she is flying in for the Sirens game); he was impressed with the sport and my skating. He was also ready with advice and tips. Both of my parents have always been extremely supportive of my athletic pursuits (and everything I do), and I can confirm that my competitiveness stems from them. They never let me settle for less than my best and I can confidently say that if it weren't for them, I would have never felt compelled to try a sport like derby.

LADD: What kind of advice did your dad give after watching you skate?  Did he see any similarities between roller derby and football?

Remix: He said that our walls needed work and that our power jam strategies were off.  He had never seen derby before mind you... Tons of similarities (between football and roller derby)… Lineups on the line work to open holes for running backs in Football and jammers in Derby. Keeping your walls together is just like a strong defensive line in Football. Interceptions/turnovers create a quick change between playing offense and defense in Football--change of lead does that in Derby. Both have quick/explosive levels of play that on the surface look to be just physical but have incredible amounts of strategy that continue to evolve as the game does.

LADD: Before you joined the LA Derby Dolls, did you think roller derby would impact your life as much as it has now?  How has your life changed with derby in it?

Remix: I had no idea how much it would change. It has made me more confident and gave me a family in LA where I previous knew few people since I had just moved here. It is the most empowering sport for a woman (and a man) and I couldn't imagine my life without playing it.