LADD: Last year the Sirens beat the Tough Cookies to win the league championship. How did winning that trophy compare to previous championships? Was there anything that made that one special?
Mel: 2014 was my second time to Champs with the Sirens. We'd had a rebuilding year after some of our veteran skaters went on to new chapters in their lives, and things were starting to come together again for us. We were working really hard physically and mentally, and there was this great sense of anticipation all throughout the year. As Captain, Jeneral was steering our training very thoughtfully and precisely, and everyone was really engaged in the process and showing up for work every week because we all felt the build happening and it was really exciting. There's almost no describing the feeling of such a narrow, hard fought win against a team that had gone unbeaten all year. Tiredness, disbelief, delirium, pride, gratitude.
LADD: After winning the championship, did it motivate the team to work harder this year? Do you feel the other teams are gunning for you?
Mel: I have been super proud of Sirens this last few months. With all the uncertainty over our home at the start of the year, the loss of so many skaters to retirement and transfers, and that lull period before the season begins proper, people could be forgiven for taking a little easy time. On the contrary, I feel like the team is riding high from Champs still and nobody wants to give an inch.
LADD: When did you start skating with LADD and did you have any skating experience prior?
Mel: I had a pair of roller boots for a brief period as a teenager, but outgrew them and then never picked it up again. When I heard about derby, I remembered skating the best fun and was looking for a team sport to get into. I went to my first DPV class in September of 2010. I remember doing falling and stopping on the flat track with Lace N' Arsenic. I was so sore I hobbled for a full week, but I was hooked. I came to 2-3 practices a week until I made Fresh Meat in the August the following year.
LADD: What committees/groups are you a part of within the league?
Mel: I used to head up Stats for the league but recently relinquished that as I was getting a bit over-scheduled. My other big responsibility outside of Sirens is as Co-Head of our Subpool. Our subs are the skaters who have graduated up out of Fresh Meat and are pooled between the teams each week to gain experience at the higher level skills and scrimmage. It's fun to handle skaters at this part of their journey, where they are peaking in skills and confidence, and really discovering what they are capable of. Skatum O'Neal (Head of Subpool) and I do our best to guide them not only skill-wise but also navigating the political and emotional landscape of Subpool, which can be very competitive.
LADD: Explain some of the unique challenges a skater faces as part of Subpool.
Mel: Subbies are constantly being "tried out" by the teams to check on their skill level and how good of a fit they are within each team's internal culture. The teams are very careful about who they draft personality wise too, as you'll all be spending lots of time together. Subs are basically being judged constantly, which is wearing and you need to summon some mental fortitude to deal with it. They will also have a more gruelling physical schedule on average, as they'll have the chance to skate two scrimmage nights per week sometimes, on top of everything else. instead of just one like a team skater. Then there is having to mesh with different team styles in quick rotation, day to day and week to week. Finally, the goal you've been aiming for for so long, often a couple of years, is so close and truly tangible now, that it can feel quite tense. Subpool is a gnarly place.
LADD: What is the process for a skater to graduate from Subpool to being a full-time skater on a team like the Sirens?
Mel: After a two month "probationary" period a subbie is eligible to be drafted to a team, if they are in general good standing having made hours, paid dues and fulfilled their other league obligations satisfactorily. The draftable sub will have great attendance, be present and willing to learn, asks questions, and be demonstrating the skills and attitude a team is looking for. Captains decide together when drafts will be based on their own need, the state of subpool and who is available, and the way the season is shaping up will play a factor in what kind of skater you want to draft. Do you need someone ready to go? Do you see potential in a greener sub, someone you can take time with and bring along for later? Each draft is meant to fill out rosters but is also carefully negotiated to keep a good competitive balance across all four teams.
LADD: How long have you been training skaters and what advice would you give to an aspiring trainer who is just starting out?
Mel: A couple of years back I did a stint as a Training Team "intern" which meant I was able to assist our regular trainers in Fresh Meat practices. I loved being able to help people with my own experience of coming up through the ranks of LADD, but it also developed my own interpersonal skills in an amazing way. When I took on Subpool I didn't have time to continue to pursue a spot on Training Team as well. If a skater is at all interested in training, they should reach out with both hands and grab the opportunity when it comes up. The league needs you, but you'll also be doing yourself a favour. It's very rewarding.
LADD: What made you decide to be a Team Captain this year and what has that experience been like?
Mel: Running for Captain just seemed like a natural movement in the cycle of our team. You can sort of tell who is ready and appropriate for leadership, and who the team is ok with, and then all you have to do is convince the person to do it. I had to get Wreckonomic Stimulus drunk in a hot tub to get her to agree to Co-Captain with me, as she already does so much for LADD, and I'm so glad because she is the best support. I can't imagine doing it without her. Sirens are an awesome team - they show up, they work hard, they ask questions, they offer advice and support to one another, they answer emails, they do their shifts, they pay their dues. They have made it easy for me.
LADD: How would you describe the identity of this year's Sirens team?
Mel: I think we've gone from being a quite serious, perhaps prickly team, to being a really fun team over the past few years. Our skateout video for this upcoming bout will give you some good insight into our personality and how much we enjoy each other.
LADD: Share with us a secret/odd bit of trivia that few people know about you.
Mel: I was in the Air Training Corps briefly as a teen, back in the UK. It's a youth program that prepares you for a potential life in the RAF or similar. I amassed a few hours flying small planes and even gliders, and sat a couple of exams in basic flight theory. I often wonder about how different a life that would have been.
LADD: You're from the UK? How often do you go back? Have you seen the London Rollergirls skate live?
Mel: I am! I moved to California in 2001. My accent is a mess. I don't go back as much as I'd like - between owning a business with my husband and derby, I almost never have large stretches of time where it is convenient. My parents are here from home right now, though, and 6/13 they will see my first bout ever. The last time they saw me skate I dragged them along to my Fresh Meat practice which turned out to be endurance led by Tara Armov. I'm not sure I was very impressive. I hope to show them something better on the 13th! I have never seen London Rollergirls - next time I go home I will for sure make a trip to London and check them out.
LADD: If you could have one hour of one-on-one training with any roller derby skater in any league, who would it be and why?
Mel: Wow, that is a hard one. LADD's roster of skaters is so full in experience and skill I don't think I would have to look far outside. For where I am at as a skater, personally, I think it would rock if we could bring back Fight Crew's fabulous Cherrylicious to train. Cherry went east for work a while back and now skates out there. She was amazing. If I could learn to block like her, man, that would be something.
LADD: How do you feel about flat track roller derby?
Mel: It's so different! I feel like a fish out of water when I scrimmage flat. Like anything you jump into that you are not practiced at, not being good at it doesn't endear it to you very much. That said, I recently played my first team level flat track bout with Sirens against ACDG's Rocket Queens, and we prepped best we could and it ended up being a ton of fun. I think we gave them a run for their money. I'll play flat track again, but it has to be with my Sirens.
LADD: What is the story behind your derby name and number?
Mel: In legend and literature, Mephistopheles was the devil to whom Faust sold his soul in return for long life and massive earthly riches.. Human constructs of evil fascinate me - the idea of hell and the devil as a thing we sort of wish upon ourselves, along with the clearly low opinion we hold much of mankind in, lots of fodder for thought there. My number is plain old Halloween, the best time of the year.
LADD: Did you recently start raising chickens? What has been the biggest challenge involved with that?
Mel: I did! I inherited a flock of grown hens and recently got myself some brand new fluffy babies. They are sweet animals and I love learning their personalities and behaviours. The biggest challenge for me has been to not turn into a crazy chicken lady who lurks in the paddock with a bb gun to deter the critters who keep stealing my eggs. I found myself not long ago on a lawn chair behind a tree waiting to catch a squirrel in the act. I decided it was probably time to chill out.
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