SKATER SPOTLIGHT: WRECKONOMIC STIMULUS

Skater Spotlight on Wreckonomic Stimulus, co-captain of your Sirens!

LADD: You have one of the most unique roller derby names.  What is the story behind your name and number?

WS: It's a play on the economic stimulus package of 2009, which was estimated to be $787 billion (my number). Basically, I'm a little nerdy for politics and economics.

LADD: In what ways have you volunteered with the league, outside of skating and being co-captain of the Sirens?

WS: I was Head of Finance for a while, League Secretary before that, and I've done lots of Street Teaming.

LADD: What has been one of the biggest influences in your skating development?

WS: Other than Trixie Biscuit (my fave trainer for all things stopping), I would say that breaking my left leg (twice) has had a huge impact on my development as a skater. It forced me to slow down, take care of my body, and really evaluate what derby gives me. In the end, I decided that derby was worth the pain, but I've definitely had to make some modifications since then.

LADD:  Did you have any skating experience prior to joining the league?

WS: Nothing beyond roller rink birthday parties and skating in my grandparents' driveway while listening to a pretty sweet Walkman… (before you ask, Paula Abdul)

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

WS: I once asked STEFCON what Sonia SotomaYOLO's name meant. She started telling me about the Supreme Court Justice, and then I said, "No, I know who she is. What is YOLO?" That tells you all you need to know.

LADD: Yikes!  Although given the choice, I'd rather live in a world where I didn't know what YOLO was either.  Do you know who Kanye West is?  He's talking about running for President in 2020...

WS: Hahaha!  Yes, I know who he is. Please tell me you're kidding.

LADD: I wish that were the case.  What hobbies do you have outside of roller derby?

WS: Reading, mathing, playing pool.

LADD: What sorts of things do you read?

WS: Lots of stuff! Right now I'm reading three books: The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy by John le Carré, and The Orientalist by Tom Reiss.

LADD: The Sirens are trying for back to back championships, but were recently handed the first loss of the season by the Varsity Brawlers, a team on a quest for their first championship.  What are your thoughts on this year's Varsity Brawlers?

WS: VB are really looking good this season, but Sirens love a challenge.

LADD:  How do you feel about the word "bae?"

WS: I don't know what that is. See "YOLO" above.

LADD: Hannah Barbarian and Lil' Red Fight 'Em Good are the two latest rookies to join the Sirens.  How are they blending in with the team and what unique skills were you looking for when drafting them?

WS: Well, we haven't scared them away yet, so I'd say it's a perfect match!

LADD: This year the Tough Cookies are rebuilding with a lot of new faces on the team.  How do you size up their team? 

WS: Cookies have some amazing veteran skaters and some really exciting new recruits, so there's really no telling what they can do -- especially with a couple retired Cookies helping on the bench.

LADD:  If you could choose a super power, what would it be and would you use it for good or evil?

WS: My super power would be -- knowing when someone was lying and using it for good of course!