Skater Spotlight: Carmen Monoxide

This Skater Spotlight is on Carmen Monoxide, a skater on team Subpool. She is also the head of Street Team.  Photo c/o Grant Palmer Photography.

LADD: Your real name is Carmen, but what is the story behind your derby name?

CM: I used to carpool with SeñoRita from Fight Crew and her daughter Taylor to practice sometimes.  One day I wasn't there, Taylor kept tugging on Rita's sleeve asking where her friend was.  Rita asked, "Who are talking about?"  Taylor said, "You know, mom, your friend... Carrrmen Monooooxiiide..."  It has stuck ever since.    

LADD: That is amazing…  In what ways have you volunteered with the league outside of skating? 

CM: Hmm, the Health Fair, parades, community clean-ups, Street Team events, special event booths, community council meetings, school presentations, bout shift volunteer, community outreach liaison and some public speaking.        

LADD: What exactly is Street Team?

CM: Street Team is a group of LA Derby Dolls reppin’ our league, getting the word out about our upcoming bouts and training programs.  Street Team is one of my fav things to do, so much fun chatting with people in LA about what we do and why.  It's great when their eyes get all lit up about it, love it! 

LADD: How often does Street Team do events? 

CM: I try to have at least three Street Team events a week for us to do.  Fans can check out our website for where we'll be next.

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

CM:  I'm actually really shy.  

LADD: What hobbies do you have outside of roller derby?

CM: I spend a lot of time buying yard sale/thrift store art, museums and reading fashion magazines. 

LADD: What yard sale purchase are you most proud of?

CM: I scored this beautiful 1950's Sylvania mint condition, never been used, stand up, credenza-like, record player/radio at a yard sale for $20.  It's beautiful!!!

LADD: That sounds great!  You are currently a member of team Subpool.  What exactly is Subpool, and what did it take to get on this team?

CM: I AM!!!  It was a long road but I finally made it, Subpool is a gateway to getting on a home team.  It's an intermediate skill level training program preparing you for advanced team skating.  After being a frequent guest at Subpool practices, my skill level was evaluated and [I was] invited to become a part of the Subpool squad.  It was a glorious day!   

LADD: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about trying out for Fresh Meat and potentially becoming a Derby Doll?

CM: DOOOO ITTTTT!!!  This is simplistic advice for something that seems so big and scary at first… but then this transformation starts to happen from the inside out… and when you start to see what it does for others, it'll make you wanna ditch that gym membership pronto.  If it's on your mind and you’re thinking about [it], daydreaming even…  Make it a reality… get out there… do it!  You'll be glad you did.    

LADD: You mention a transformation... what sort of changes can one expect in their life if they start doing roller derby?

CM:  I find it feeds an inner strength, confidence, perseverance, thick skin, and a work ethic you didn't know you had in you.       

LADD: How often do teams draft from Subpool and what challenges does a member of Subpool have when trying to be picked up by a home team?

CM: Honestly, I have no idea, I'm really new to Subpool and from what I can gather it's based on what a team needs at the time.  That sparks a draft situation.  In Subpool, you are watched closely, judged and evaluated often from many different people: team skaters, trainers, it can be hard to come with the right mind set… nerve wracking.  So for me, the challenge is remembering that I love derby and to challenge myself to see what I can do to better my game play, not give up… and keep trying.  I have to remind myself that I do this for me and the thick skin aspect.  Judges or evaluators are secondary to the skills I'm learning to get on a team.       

LADD: What is the camaraderie like on team Subpool, when you are playing with peers who may end up taking a roster spot that you were hoping to get?  What is the locker room atmosphere like when Subpool has a game against another team? 

CM: There is no animosity or envy… just encouragement, praise and a Subpool cheering section.  You can't get that in most aspects of your life so it feels amazing getting that from your derby peeps.

LADD: What is your personal game day routine?  Do you do anything particular before a game?

CM: Everyone has a different way of getting ready for a bout so the atmosphere is a lot of things: upbeat, serious, silly, giddy, nervous, nauseous… but it's great because we end up talking about it with one another, laughing, putting each other at ease, it's cool.  I plan my bout-fit, make-up (if I have time), eat a wonderful breakfast, tidy up my house, watch a kids movie, then listen to my special derby playlist on the way to the Dollesuem and continue to listen to music up until the bout starts.  :D 

LADD: What are some of the songs in your derby playlist?

CM: 100 miles and running by N.W.A., Elephant by Tame Impala, Beat Down by Steve Aoki & Iggy Azalea, The Boss by James Brown, and Stranglehold by Ted Nugent are some on that list.

LADD: What was the last book you read?

CM: The Unthinkable Thoughts of Jacob Green by Joshua Braff

LADD: How do you feel about flat track roller derby?

CM: Love to play it!!!  So much fun, you can go backwards… aghhhhh!!!!

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!

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.

Skater Spotlight: Jägerbomb

Skater Spotlight - Jägerbomb from the Varsity Brawlers!  Photo c/o Grant Palmer Photography

LADD: What is the story behind your derby name?

J: I was in DPV and, traditionally, Punchy Puncherello takes us to a wine bar after our first scrimmage. I asked if they had jagerbombs at the bar and she looked at me and said I have to be 21 to even drink that stuff. She started calling me Jager and I waas born! 

LADD: What other volunteer positions have you done for the league?

J: I am the co-head of Street Team and a part of Training Team, Public Relations, Stats, a part of the Executive Committee and a Track Monkey. 

LADD: You recently were a coach for a Baby Doll Brawl team. What was that experience like and could you see yourself becoming a coach later down the line?

J: It was a fantastic experience involving a lot of coffee and hopping around. It was so great to watch these girls from the beginning and looking like Bambi to seeing them understand strategy, gaining confidence, and the older meats starting to lead the newer girls. I definitely could see myself becoming a coach way way way down the line if I ever stop skating (forever from now).

LADD: Who had been the most influential skater/trainer in your development?  What did you learn from them?

J: I wouldn’t say there is only ONE skater or trainer would has been the most influential. I am notorious for making everyone be my “mom” and give me advice on everything. Our league is amazing because everyone is open to helping out the newer skaters and giving out advice. 

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

J: I used to roller blade from my apartment to our mail box room. That’s about it. Oh, and I fell a lot trying to skateboard.

LADD: Varsity Brawlers are coming off a hard-fought game against the defending champion Sirens in which VB gave them their first loss of the season and claimed first place in the division.  How does the team feel about that accomplishment?

J: We feel great! Fantastic! Ecstatic! All of the above! It's really interesting coming into the team when I did because VB hadn't won a game the previous season. We worked so hard to become cohesive and really just one unit on the track and, after this win, people are really noticing.

LADD: Do you have a derby wife and how did you meet?

J: I have a main wifey: Star D’ Ruckus who is actually on VB with me! (WHO LET THAT HAPPEN?!) We have Sister Wives: L’Reign of Terror, DIE-Anna Ross, and Vespa Violentina. I also have a derby mistress in OctoPushy who bought my love with many a burrito.

LADD: Aside from derby, what other hobbies do you enjoy?

J: I just started training in Pro-Wrestling (WWE style) because it looked like fun and why not?! I also am going to school for my teaching credential in high school English, so that’s kind of all the time I have including derby. :)

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

J: I get really nervous around large groups of pigeons.

LADD: You recently attended Rollercon for the first time. What did you think of the annual roller derby convention?

J: After hyperventilating and screaming I really enjoyed being surrounded by derby 24/7 for a week. I played a lot of flat track with actual flat trackers and it was HARD. But a really good kind of hard that makes you work a different set of skills. I was really happy that there was a banked track because banked is the bestest ever. Being able to skate with different people also let me see where my weaknesses in skating are, as well as my strengths. I also bought ALL THE THINGS!!!  :D

LADD: I notice you are the only skater to wear a faceguard.  Why is that?

J: Because I get hit in the face.

LADD: …more than other skaters?

J: Being elbow height, yes.

LADD: So what is #tinyderby then?

J: #tinyderby is basically a group Sassquatch and I made because we’re super tiny.  It includes Boo LaLa from San Diego cause she’s tiny too.  Basically, anyone who’s smaller than average and gets mistaken for a junior is #tinyderby.

LADD: Is there a height maximum to qualify for #tinyderby?

J: No. We just have to like you. #meangirlstinyderby

Skater Spotlight: Sly Foxx

This skater spotlight is on Sly Foxx, co-captain of your Fight Crew!

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

 SF: I have an unhealthy fascination with Guy Fawkes, and my cousin actually came up with Sly Fawkes when I was struggling to come up with something clever. My number is 115, "Remember Remember the 5th of November!" Tragically there was a neighboring league who had a skater with the name Gay Fawkes and there was no way I would get my name approved. I'm not sure if you know this, but coming up with a clever and original derby name is both time consuming and exhausting, so at that point I was like screw it, Sly Foxx it is, I had a Baby Doll Brawl and not dying to worry about.

LADD: In addition to being co-captain of Fight Crew, have you held other positions within the league (e.g., committees/groups)?

SF: Oh god. I have been the co-head of Fresh Meat, a Fresh Meat Mama, a Ri-Ette, I was a member of our RaD team for a while… Currently, alongside co-captaining Fight Crew, I am co-head of our Training Team, on the Executive Committee, and a full time derby cheerleader. It's hard to not throw yourself head first into this league.

LADD:  You mentioned Training Team... Could you see yourself becoming a coach later?

SF: Absolutely! I am going to keep skating as long as my legs don't give out, but that would be my next move after retiring. I was able to bench coach a couple Jr. Fight Crew bouts and a Baby Doll Brawl one season and I caught the bug! It's awesome to be part of that experience for younger and newer skaters and watching them grow.

LADD: How did you feel about working with the Fresh Meat?

SF: Fresh Meat was everything for me. I walked into an open tryout in full hair and makeup like it was an audition - what a mistake that was. Derby was really scary for me at first and there were a few times that I thought maybe it wasn't for me. I was so terrified of hitting and getting hit to the point that in my very first bout my coaches didn't block me once, which NEVER happens - I was that bad! But through and through I stuck with it and made some incredible friendships and had a lot of love and mentors along the way. I was very loved through Fresh Meat.

That's eventually what made me want to step up and help run the program - roller derby is hard on the body and soul and sometimes you just need someone in your corner telling you you're doing the right thing and to keep trucking.

LADD: Do you have a derby hero? Who has been most influential in your derby career?

 SF: Hands down that would be Haught Wheels, or H-Dubs, or Mommy. She has always been someone I aspire to be like, not just in derby, but as a real life adult. She is an extraordinary teacher and has this way of explaining life and derby to me that just gives me hope regardless of the situation. I feel especially lucky to call her one of my closest friends, but she is much more than that - she is a friend, a nurturer, a therapist, a confidant, a mentor, and one bad ass derby skater. I don't want to brag, but I have a key to her house.

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

 SF: I was a roller figure skater from the time I could walk, and I got about 20 years worth of experience leading up to derby. I was on a precision team for about 10 years, which is like synchronized swimming on roller skates - it's really beautiful to watch and incredibly difficult and rewarding to get 20 people skating in unison to music and choreography. When I was 22 my figure skating coach got the opportunity of a lifetime to move across the world and at that time I felt it be best for me to move on too. I feel incredibly fortunate that I found LADD within six months of retiring from figure skating because I was having a really hard time coping with not being on wheels.

LADD:  Have any of your roller figure skating friends seen you play roller derby?  Did any of them want to give it a try?

SF: I actually found out about LADD through a roller figure skating friend. Four of us tried out and we all made it! Unfortunately it ended up not being for the others and they moved on to other hobbies. Although a lot of the skills transcend from figure skating into derby, you have to be able to get laid out and not take it personally - something I also struggled with in the beginning. I continue to act as a derby recruiter though. I'm constantly trying to get friends and family to give it a go!

LADD: Fight Crew recently drafted two new skaters in Pip Girl and Die Fledermauz.  How much of a role did you have in the draft process and why did the team select these two skaters?

 SF: Fight Crew is an incredible team in the sense that everyone's voice is heard. We discussed for several months on what we needed to strive this season and our team gave their full support that Rebel and I would bring home the gold - and I am very confident we did. Pip and Mauzer just get roller derby, they understand strategy and know their strengths, you can't instill that confidence in someone - it's there or it's not. They are exactly what we need: they're incredibly smart, positive, not to mention they're sturdy as fuck… can I say fuck?

LADD: What are the Fight Crew fans like?  Tell us a story about a memorable fan experience.

 SF: Fight Crew by far has the best fans - they are a special breed. They support us at our best and our worst and are always there when we need them. They're just good people. We have this one fan, David Bickford, or as I like to call him Mr. Bickford, Bickman, Crystal Bick, or Webster's Bicktionary, and he is just one of a kind. He is supportive to the entire derby community and shows up to almost every bout, always with a smile and kind words, regardless of the outcome. Fight Crew started a fundraiser a couple years ago to raise money for new uniforms because we pay for most of our gear out of pocket, and Mr. Bickford funded my entire uniform for me, which I can never thank him enough for. His name is actually printed on the inside of my jersey!

LADD: How do you feel about flat track roller derby?

 SF: I have a huge respect for flat track, it's like patting your head and rubbing your belly and roller skating and writing a novel and teaching physics all at the same time. It's just not for me though - I like to fly.

LADD: When you are not skating, what do you do for fun?

 SF: Wait, when am I not skating?! I am on a trivia team, which I take just as seriously as derby - we are the Little Urban Achievers and we have shirts - I'm Bunny. I also love spending time with my family and my dog, eating at new restaurants, going on adventures with friends, the usual I suppose.

LADD: Do you have a derby wife?  

 SF: I'm not a huge believer in the derby wife thing -mostly because I despise the word "wifey". I'm all about derby relatives though, so I'm pretty sure that makes me a hypocrite. Fight Crew + a handful of others are my sisters, I have 4 derby children that I have been a total deadbeat mom to, and I have 2 derby moms - Skeev Jobs and Haught Wheels. All of these people have helped nurture the woman you see today.

LADD: Who are your derby children? Do you have to pay derby child support?

 SF: My derby children are Fresh Meat skaters who I choose to mentor when they come into the program, usually because I see some similarities between us or because I feel like I can help them get to where they want to be. Back when I was co-head of the program it was really easy to keep tabs on them because I was there ALL THE TIME, but now that I am just their trainer I don't get to see them as often. I have a habit of biting off more than I can chew sometimes so I haven't been the best mother to some of them recently, but they have grown into beautiful skaters just the same. I would consider my derby child support the knowledge I bestow upon them :) and the fact that I lose my voice just about every time I watch them skate - man, they're good!

LADD: Two years ago, Fight Crew and the Tough Cookies battled it out in the Championship game.  This year, both teams are searching for their first win.  What is the atmosphere like in the Fight Crew locker room leading up to this game against the Cookies?

 SF: We just have to remember to play our game and to never go into a situation thinking we have it in the bag. Fight Crew and Tough Cookies are pretty neck and neck this season, so regardless of the outcome both teams are going to have to work at 110%. I am so proud of my team this season, with the move and the league evolving into this completely new structure and lives changing drastically, we have stuck it out together. All I ever want for Fight Crew is for them to feel like proud and capable athletes and teammates, because they are. I know every captain feels this way about their teammates, but win or lose I am so proud and fortunate to call those women my family.