Skater Name:

Number:  86

Tagline:  I don’t think your ready for this Geli, she’ll knock your sweet tooth out

Home league: Aurora 88s

Home Team:  Divas De Las Muertas

How did you get involved with roller derby?

I started out as a spectator, the first bout I went to was a Chicago Outfit game, from then on I was just going to their games and WCR’s.  Then one night creeping through craigslist I saw one was starting in the burbs and I just had to jump on it.

How long have you been playing roller derby?  About a year and a half now.

How did you come up with your derby name? Everyone already calls me Geli short for Angelica so I knew I wanted to keep Geli somehow.  Originally I was Geli Sais Quoi after the French saying “Jenna Sais Quoi” meaning you have that certain extra special thing about you.  But after it confusing a bunch of peeps and being butchered by an announcer I changed it to Geli Jams U Up, and I think it fits me and my personality on the track since I l like causing jams ups on the track with my booty.

Can you talk a bit about your rookie year and how you learned to play roller derby?  I did not know how to skate, period. In fact for the first couple months I had to use the rinks rental skates.   The hardest part and still the hardest part for me is getting comfortable with your skates and trusting your skates. 

Learning the actual sport of roller derby didn’t seem too much of a challenge since before I did go to games to watch and got the general concept. Now it’s all about the small details that you need to be aware of when playing, like how to enter the track from a penalty box, or what happens if a jammer drops her panty during a star pass. Gotta know these things now.

What is your roller derby playing position of choice?  Pivot/Blocker.  This past season my team has really let me grow as pivot.  At first I was nervous to do so because I don’t want to come off as bossy, or mean.  I had a concern about girls just not caring what I had to say because I felt like the response would be “who’s she to tell me what to do?!”.  That wasn’t the case at all and my team encouraged me to be that loud voice on the track.  I feel that I have a good sense of awareness, who’s where, how far away, are they on the in or out and I am able to communicate it.  I’m also more for positional blocking and plays other than the big hits, I’ll save those for the jammer.  At a WCR game watching I had Ivy Sedation tell me that I have a mind for a pivot, and that I could be a star pivot. I keep that as my goal

What is your team theme song?  Rob Zombie- Living Dead girl but we also have adopted a winning song and that’s Harry Belafonte Jump in the Line

What is your team motto?  Divas NEVER Die!

What is one thing that really inspired you about playing with your current team?  During a scrimmage we go around reminding each other what to do, what to look for and other tips.  I gave a mini speech about a previous scrimmage we had where we felt like we killed it.  Where every time skating off the track there were high fives and good jobs left and right.  I was reminding the girls how great and awesome that felt and how to keep that positive thinking and momentum.  I was so happy for us talking about this moment I started to tear up. Cough Cough ….I mean

I love when I’m able to look the left and right of me and know my team has my back and we can pull of AMAZING things together.

How does your team stay focused and motivated during bouts?  Everyone has their own method.  Personally I like to just keep the fun going. This can be joking around or busting a move at the pivot line, positivity is key for me.  Also good feed back from bench coaches and captains help, telling me what I missed or need to do next time.

What is one derby training tip you would give to derby girls and/or teams just starting out?  Derby is not for the faint, you have to be really committed.  People think it’s just practices and game days but there is so much that goes behind the scenes.  You are a business, and you are employees of this business.  You have to run marketing, sponsorship, fundraising, promotions, renting chairs for seating, music, lights, computers, training, articles,  complaints, street teaming,  printing, websites, photos, refs, NSO’s, volunteers, gear orders, uniforms, meetings, upon meetings and it’s all so you can skate.  Derby becomes your life and it’s not for everyone but be honest if you have the time and dedication to do it and the pay off is great, for you get to meet the most gorgeous, fascinating smart women, and grow yourself as a wonderful skater and human.

The post Geli Jams U Up – Skater Profile appeared first on Aurora 88s Roller Derby.

Skater Name:

Number:  1600 Penn. Ave.

Tagline: “She’ll Blow You Away”

Home League: Aurora 88s

Home Team: Hard Core Corruption

How did you get involved with roller derby? An amazing friend of mine, Ms. Terra Fye…soon to be Mrs. Terra Fye- Thompson, let me tag along to see a bout and support my other amazing friend…Mr. Jason Thompson (Admiral Snackbar) ref for Windy City Rollers. After seeing my first bout I was smitten with the sport. I went to two open skates, purchased some pads and a helmet, and then eventually bought my first pair of skates from a Windy City Roller (Mya Ssault). That was that. I had a bag full of gear and a heart full of ambition.

How long have you been playing roller derby? Less than a year in total, and I didn’t roller skate before starting and never heard of the sport really before seeing my first bout. I think I skated once in high school gym class and another time at a birthday party as a kid. 

How did you come up with your derby name? I didn’t. I went through a million names and in the end I trust people who are way smarter than me with these types of things. My friend, Clayton Bradford Hack, is hilarious and he named me. Ironically it ended up being somewhat fitting. I love giving and taking whips on the track, and I also love the fact that I can be a naughty patriot. It’s like a Pixar movie, fun for kids but with adult humor peppered in.

Can you talk a bit about your rookie year and how you learned to play roller derby? I learned to play roller derby by just being a sponge and trying things over and over. I feel like I was very lucky to learn from our amazing trainers, and friends I made in other leagues. I think the best thing about derby is you get out of it what you put in. There are many things in life where the formula for success is not that simple. If you put your head down, you work hard, you try even harder….something is bound to pay off.

What is your roller derby playing position of choice? I probably jam the most, but I also totally love blocking. I feel like blocking makes me a better jammer because you can learn your opponents in the pack and try to use that in your jams. Jamming is such a rush, from the burst off the line to the strategy to get through the pack. I played in bands for a while and it kind of feels like when you get done playing an amazing show. With all the time and energy spent in training and  practice scrimmages it’s awesome to see the strategy and development pay off if you sneak through a pack with the help of your awesome blockers!

What is your team theme song?  “The Life” by Dope

What is your team motto? “Money, Power, Greed.” (I like to add kittens and rainbows to the chant but that never catches on for some reason,  J/K! )

What is one thing that really inspired you about playing with your current team?

My team has A TON of heart and TWO TONS of talent. We are still feeling our way through strategy but I think when we add that piece to the component we will be unstoppable! To our future opponents…. consider yourselves politely warned. J/K

How does your team stay focused and motivated during bouts?
We try and focus on the idea that “every jam is a new jam”.  Whether we win or lose, we have to believe that we get to start fresh with each new jam. We try to take away teachable moments of each jam to use in future strategy but in the end just because one jam sucks …doesn’t mean your team sucks, doesn’t mean you suck, and it surely doesn’t mean you will lose the bout. Derby is the most exciting sport because each jam can really be a game changer!

What is one derby training tip you would give to derby girls and/or teams just starting out?

My tip for new derby girls would be to not question yourself or your abilities. If you keep looking down at your skates because you’re scared you will fall….you’re going to fall. You can’t be your own worst critic and sike yourself out. Take big risks, laugh at the pitfalls, and make a conscious effort to absorb as much as you can from your trainers and league mates. Ask questions to help you grasp the concepts, and NEVER GIVE UP! Derby is our chance to be our own super heroes….you need to strap on your skates and figure out what super power you bring to the table and own it. I’m still working on my super power of crushing a pack with my mind… look out for that move in the 2012-2013 season! J/K

My tip for derby teams starting out would be to start by creating a foundation of respect and open communication. The rest of the camaraderie and strategy will follow if you can get that foundation laid. It’s important to make sure your teammates feel supported and that together you can conquer any challenges as a collective whole. I would say derby is 60% athleticism, and 40% mental strategy and focus. If you don’t think you’re going to win in derby, or in life really, you probably won’t. However, you still need to put in the work to be an athlete. Just thinking you are winning does not make you a winner. Point in Case…Charlie Sheen. Also, make sure to try and use what you are learning in practices in your own team strategy. It’s easy to stick with what is working/ comfortable, but it’s important to take risks and grow as a team who can effectively switch up strategy based on their opponents.

The post Monica Lewhipsky – Skater Profile appeared first on Aurora 88s Roller Derby.

Photo provided by D. Grelck Photography

The Aurora 88s held a coloring contest in the Junior Jammers’ Corner at their January bout. Below are the two winning pieces of artwork! Both of these Junior Jammers have won free tickets to the “Love is for Suckers” bout on February 12th!

Laura - Age 10

Stella - Age 5 1/2

The post Coloring Contest Winners – Bout 4 appeared first on Aurora 88s Roller Derby.

Skater Name:

Number: 2112

Tagline: “She may blow you into tiny bits.”

Home league: The Aurora 88s

Home Team:
I am property of Hard Core Corruption. We lurk in the courtrooms, corporations and municipalities of Aurora. We break laws and make a profit for our own nefarious schemes. We ARE the HCC, and we own you too.

How did you get involved with roller derby?
Some friends took me to a Rockford Rage bout in 2009. I had no idea what to expect, but the minute I got there my skin was crawling because I wanted to play so badly. I was watching them thinking, “I can totally do that!” The next year I desperately tried to make a decision between trying out for Rockford Rage or Windy City Rollers. They were both just too far away. I lived in Naperville so I couldn’t make the commitment, or afford the gas. In October 2010 I heard from a friend that there was a league in Aurora, and within 2 days I bought my gear and went to my first practice.

How long have you been playing roller derby?
One glorious year.

How did you come up with your derby name?
I wrote down five that I loved and asked my friends to pick the best. I took a poll. The one they picked for me wasn’t my first choice, but it has grown on me and I can’t even imagine myself as “Slaytoven” now. Choosing a number was far more important to me. 2112. I love Rush. I’m a modern day warrior. ‘Nuff said.

Can you talk a bit about your rookie year and how you learned to play roller derby?
My training began as a head banging/moshing teenager. Knocking into people doesn’t bother me. My challenges have been with footwork and skating techniques more than anything. I can finally do a 180 and skate backwards. Life is good.

What is your roller derby playing position of choice?
I’m blocking mostly now, but I aspire to be a fantastic pivot. Yelling is fun.

What is your team theme song?
“The Life” by Dope. It’s a gritty, heavy song very suitable for a corrupt team such as the HCC.

What is your team motto?
“Money, power, greed.”

What is one thing that really inspired you about playing with your current team?
We’re all so laid back in HCC, we don’t have much drama or conflict amongst ourselves.

How does your team stay focused and motivated during bouts?
Our captains, Devi Metal and Ella Va Dozer, are awesome at keeping us in a positive state of mind. Since we’re all pretty laid back we don’t get too caught up in winning and losing. If we play smart and learn a new strategy at a bout, that’s money.

What is one derby training tip you would give to derby girls and/or teams just starting out?
First of all, don’t ever say you can’t do something. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. All of the derby girls I have met have been nothing short of an inspiration. My league is my new family. Second, work on your endurance outside of practice as much as you can. Do lots of crunches, squats, pushups, and wall sits at home. A little a day makes a big difference!

The post Introducing Holly Hand Grenade from Hard Core Corruption appeared first on Aurora 88s Roller Derby.

Skater Name:

Number: 24×7

Tagline: “Taking bites outta that pack”

Home league: Aurora 88s

Home Team: DDLM (Divas de las Muertas)

How did you get involved with roller derby?
I wanted to join something and was tired of begging my friends to go skating with me. I looked for a jam skate class but couldn’t find one. Then I heard about roller derby and thought I would check it out. Who knew there were this many women that loved to skate as much I as do!

How long have you been playing roller derby?
I have been roller skating since I was like 5yrs old….but only playing derby for a year.

How did you come up with your derby name?
I knew I wanted the word RUFF in my name because I love animals…especially dogs. I work at an animal emergency hospital and animals are my life. My friend, Cee Know Evil, actually called me Ruff McGruff one day and I thought the name was a great fit. I am like a crime dog…..I always follow the rules and of course “say no to drugs”!

Can you talk a bit about your rookie year and how you learned to play roller derby?
I already knew how to skate starting out in my derby career, but I had no idea how to play the game or what the rules were. I read the rule book about 4 times and learned all the ref hand signals. Our trainers, Devi Metal and Ivy Sedation, taught us how to give and receive hits, strategy and put us all through basic training. Going to watch other leagues play was also a big help.

What is your roller derby playing position of choice?
Jammer……LEAD jammer, preferably

What is your team theme song?
Living Dead Girls by Rob Zombie

What is your team motto?
“Divas Never Die”. No matter how much we may be hurting, you can never kill our spirit.

What is one thing that really inspired you about playing with your current team?
The more I got to know the gals on my team, the more I liked them. We support each other on and off the rink and I wouldn’t trade them for anyone. There are some really cool chicks on the Glams and HCC too (just don’t tell them I said that

How does your team stay focused and motivated during bouts?
I think everyone has their own way of staying focused and motivated. I know I like to listen to my music to get me pumped. I also keep my eye on the scoreboard. I am very competitive and hate losing. So the score keeps me focused. Others on my team have IVY’s voice stuck in the back of their head saying “hit a red!” Plus I think we motivate each other with encouragement and praise. Others use visualization techniques….which is not for me.

What is one derby training tip you would give to derby girls and/or teams just starting out? Start with the basics. Everything in life is learned with repetition. And remember, ALWAYS safety first! You can really get hurt in this sport if you are not stable and low on your skates, do not know how to properly fall or take a hit. But most of all, have fun!

The post Introducing Ruff McGruff from the Divas de las Muertas appeared first on Aurora 88s Roller Derby.

Skater Name:

Number: H8

Tagline: “She may look sweet and innocent but she’ll rip you to shreds”

Home league: Aurora 88s, League President

Home Team: Divas de las Muertas

How did you get involved with roller derby?
I had heard about Windy City Rollers from a friend of mine. When I finally caught a game for the first time, I was in love. I became a BIG fan and Star, my wife, and I would catch a game whenever we could. A couple years later we were at Aurora Skate Center and saw that there was a track painted on the floor. I found out that there was a league there, and joined shortly after. It was reassuring when I found out that Devi Metal was the one running practice because I sort of knew her through a mutual friend. Since then I’ve been hooked!

How long have you been playing roller derby?
A little over a year

How did you come up with your derby name?
I had recently cut my bangs, and many of my friends were calling me Dita because of Dita Von Tese. I liked the idea of doing something that had to do with a siren, and since Dita is a modern day “siren” I wanted to keep that. I also wanted to toughen it up a bit. It just so happens that there is a poem about sirens written by a guy with the last name Van Damme… also Jean Claude Van Damme is pretty tough (in a funny kind of way), so that’s what I went with. I skated as Dita Van Damn for awhile, but I never really felt like that was IT. I finally changed it to D’Stroia because I liked that it sounded kinda menacing (destroy ya) and also that it still goes with the siren thing… a destroyer, sailors, etc. So you see it was an easy process.

Can you talk a bit about your rookie year and how you learned to play roller derby?
Technically, I’m still a rookie. I have yet to play a public bout. I started with the Dupage Derby Dames last September. I knew how to skate, but Devi helped me get better and become more confident on wheels. I was also fortunate to be able to train with Ivy before I got preggers, and she helped build up my endurance and taught me some new strategies. I hope to be bouting by the next home season.

What is your roller derby playing position of choice?
Blocker

What is your skate gear of choice?
Hopefully, when I come back I will be purchasing Vanilla Vandals, not sure what plate yet, but I’m pretty sure I want heartless pushers. I’ll be keeping my Sure Grip fugitive wheels and Bones Swiss bearings. My Triple 8 Brainsaver helmet still works for me, and everything else I have is Pro-Tec, which I will probably switch out in the near future too.

Do you have a pre-bout ritual?
Because I’ve been bench coaching- I freak out about the line ups and try and make sure everyone gets a chance to play… and also pee about 300 times because I’m pregnant.

What is your favorite derby moment?
Seeing the crowds at our first public bout was a really proud moment for me. It took me back to when we split with the Dames and we’re trying to pull everything back together. Devi, Rage and I sat in Rage’s shop for practically a week straight trying to re-formulate a new league as fast as possible. We had all thought at one point, “is all this work worth it?…or maybe we should just give up?” Seeing all of the efforts of the league members coming together, and all of the skaters playing so well after training so hard was probably one of the best moments of my life. I put in just a little bit of work compared to all the efforts that it took by everyone to get the league to that point, and yes… it was worth it.

Who are your derby heroes?
Suzy Hotrod of Gotham and Team USA is my derby hero. I had a chance to see her skate during nationals last year at Uproar on the Lakeshore. She is incredibly talented, and totally ripped, not to mention a hard hitting blocker and a badass jammer. It was love at first sight.
I also kind of have a derby crush of Varla Vendetta of WCR and also Team USA.

Do you have a motivational quote?
I’m not a Star Wars geek by any means, but “do or do not, there is no try,” is my inspirational quote thanks to Yoda.

What do you think about when you’re lacing up your skates?
I don’t know if I’ve ever thought about one thing in particular when lacing up, but now that I’m currently not playing derby and in a pregnant state, I think about how my playing roller derby will affect the daughter I’m about to have. I want to show her that yes women can be gentle, kind and caring but they can also be active and tough. That and I wasted too much of my life wishing I could do something instead of actually doing it, and I want her to see me being an active participant in my life so hopefully she’ll do the same in hers.

If you had a theme song, what would it be?
Devil in Disguise by Elvis Presley

What are some of your other hobbies/passions outside of derby?
I have too many! For the last year it’s mostly revolved around getting ready for the baby… sewing her crib set, making the mobile, and organizing and decorating the nursery. I also like to read, scrapbook, paint, and crochet when there’s time. My next project is going to be to remodeling the doll house that my grandpa built for me so I can pass it down.

How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
Profoundly. I have always been the quiet one, I never joined clubs or sports before, and I would have in no way ever considered myself an athletic person in the past. Not only did derby change all that, but it made me want to be a leader. I was always afraid to speak up or make decisions because I was afraid that I would be wrong and I had absolutely no confidence in myself. I never would have ever considered the possibility that someday I would be the President of a derby league. It has changed my entire outlook on myself, and on life, to be totally honest. I am a much more capable person than I ever gave myself credit for in the past.

Any advice for girls who want to join roller derby?
Do it because you want to PLAY roller derby, not because you want to BE a roller girl… and then prepare for the best addiction you’ve ever had.

What do you love best about being an Aurora 88?
Absolutely everything.

The post Dita D’Stroia – League Profile appeared first on Aurora 88s Roller Derby.

Number: 99

Tagline: She’s a bleach blonde bomber with a streak of mean.

Home League: Aurora 88s

Home Team: Glamazons

How did you get involved with roller derby?
I always loved to skate and a friend of mine at work was talking about how her daughter just joined a roller derby team. My eyes lit up like it was Christmas morning. Sent some emails and here I am…..Thanks Sindi Hellrazor!!!

How long have you been playing roller derby?
I have been playing for 9 months.

How did you come up with your derby name?
My friends call me J.J. (my initials) and the Vicious comes from being told that I am mean.

Can you talk a bit about your rookie year and how you learned to play roller derby?
Since it has only been 9 months, I’m still in my rookie year, but it has been AWESOME. I skate for a great league and a great team. Every day is a new learning experience. I learn from everyone that is there. Someone is always there to help.

What is your roller derby position of choice?
I love to block. But one day I would love to jam!!!

What is your team theme song?
Welcome to the Jungle – Guns N’ Roses

What is your team motto?
Strong and beautiful, we are the GLAMAZONS!

What is one thing that really inspired you about playing with your current team?
That we all work as a team.

What is one derby training tip you would give to derby girls and/or teams just starting?
Communication!!! Properly train. Remember you are a league, not individuals work together.

The post Introducing JJ Vicious from the Glamazons appeared first on Aurora 88s Roller Derby.