Getting to know our Internationals

So you’ve seen some of them in action at the weekend. And what action it was! Before they ship off to Manchester this week, here is a little sneak peak at what our peeps are like. Don’t forget to say hi if you see them, and most importantly to cheer them on!

Snowden #83

What is the story behind your derby name and number?
My last name is Snowden (I’m skating under my real name for Ireland) so I’ve always been called ‘Snowy’ by friends, but Bruise suggested ‘Dashing Trudy Snow’ & it stuck 🙂 My number is, very originally, the year I was born 😉

When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
I was friends with Stabba & went to cheer her on in her first game in 2012. As soon as I saw it I emailed DRD to see how I could join. I managed to start FreshMeat in 2013 & played my first B Team game in October of that year.

What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
I’ve been a member of DRD’s A Team since August 2014 and I attribute my success in making Team Ireland this time to my training & experiences while there.

Do you have a ‘signature move’ (or favorite strategy) and if yes what is it?
I’m not a large player so I have always had to get creative in how I jam. I rely on speed, quick changes in direction & occasional jumps. That said, I’m never out there on my own & working well with my teammates is key to our strategies being successful.

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
Work on your weaknesses & develop your strengths, but make small goals and track your progress. Support your teammates in their development too. You’re one of 5 on-track at any time and if you can help raise the level of everyone, that will be beneficial to you too.

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
D2 WFTDA Playoffs in Pittsburgh – the elation and joy of that weekend was unbelievable. The support over there, online & at home was utterly wonderful.

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
My teammates and my desire to improve, because when it works in games all the hard work is worth it.

Manija #95

What is the story behind your derby name and number?
I was named by a teammate soon after I joined Mambas Negras. Manija is Argentinian slang for a non-stop and super excited person. My pals call me Mani. There isn’t much of an interesting story behind my number, I just picked a 2 digit, odd and good looking number.When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
My sister started first and kept poking me to join. It took me seconds to love the sport and I went to my first training with Mambas Negras in Buenos Aires “El Rosedal” just a week after going to a scrimmage as part of the audience. It was back in 2013.What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
My skating life started when I was 7. I practiced figure skating until the end of high school and after that a bit of recreational ice skating. Until I came across Roller Derby and that’s when everything made sense. I tried out for the National Team for the first time at the end of 2013 and had the privilege of representing my country with a bunch of heroes in 2014 World Cup. Once again I made it to the Argentinean Squad and I’m looking forward to give it all for the Blue and White!

Do you have a ‘signature move’ (or favorite strategy) and if yes what is it?
I’d say backwards moves as a jammer are becoming my thing.

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
Work your hardest, never stop, no excuses.

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
Definitely D2 was a breaking point. Made it clear that as a Team we’re ready to move to the next level and also pushed my own performance and mental game to achieve a higher result. I still believe the best is yet to come.

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
Motivation comes in many ways. There’s the personal growth and goals to achieve in order to be your best for the Team. But mostly it’s the enjoyment that the sport gives back to me what makes me always look forward to the next time.

Nicosia #3

What is the story behind your derby name and number?
Way back when, at my freshmeat graduation, I remember talking to some seniors about a whole heap of names I had come up with. Once I mentioned ‘Valdemort’ it kinda was unanimously decided it would be it. So it chose me really. For Italy I skate with my real civilian last name though. As for my number, I always felt some sort of connection with the number 3. No particular reason, just really felt attached to is since forever!When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
I started skating with Dublin Roller Derby back in January 2013, and still am! I heard about Roller Derby at D.I.C.E, a comic convention. I was walking around and this poster had a girl on skates with a helmet and various pads with ‘Roller Grrrls’ printed over it. I got talking to Gary Erskine, the author of the comic, and his wife, who spoke so passionately about Roller Derby I decided to check it out. It was also around the time where the Lucozade add with Venice Beach skaters came out and I had gotten it into my head that I was going to learn how to skate.What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
When the 2014 Roller Derby World Cup happened I passionately followed the Irish Team in Dallas. A lot of my league mates were in it and wanted to cheer them on. I found out that Team Italy existed. Living abroad, I didn’t really know what the Roller Derby scene in Italy was but I was delighted to see it had one. I attended the try-outs for the European Champs last year, but due to prior commitments with DRD B Team, I could only make 1 of the 2 mandatory try outs so didn’t make the squad. When try-outs happened again for the 2018 World Cup I went for it again. I realised the commitment to flying back and forth for training would be huge, and I briefly considered trying out for Ireland instead. But my heart knew it wasn’t right and that I wanted to represent my country. Did the two mandatory try-outs and made the team! (yay!)

Do you have a ‘signature move’ (or favorite strategy) and if yes what is it?
A ‘signature move’..? Does sass count? I don’t think so, I have been told I get low at the annoying mid leg height, but that’s mainly because I’m not exactly tall and physics is on my side.

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
If you want something, go out and get it. Determination, hard work, these are all things that depend on you. You don’t get better in a bubble, everyone around you does too so use that. Set goals, reach them. Set new ones, repeat. There isn’t only one way of doing something, find what works for you. A bit of fear is good, it keeps you moving forward. But most importantly HAVE FUN.

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
If you would have asked me a few months ago, I wouldn’t have had a clue what to answer. But today, I can safely say that it’s been going to D2 and getting that fourth place. We weren’t even meant to be there! The way the Team and the League pulled together will always hold a special place in my heart. Everything about that weekend is out of a sports movie. Underdogs, winning their first game against the top seed. And winning our other games in nothing short of heart stopping ways (one point!). We were ecstatic, we all lifted each other up. It was a grueling, exhausting weekend but worth every minute.

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
My teammates, my pals. The 22 of us. That’s what keeps me showing up. This is a team sport, your actions affect others. I love when we work on something, repeat ad nauseum and then suddenly it happens in a game or at scrimmage and we all celebrate. Having a laugh on track, focusing and getting a job done. Cheering each other on, seeing all progress and nail those little things that have been getting to us. Also, wanting to get better, I’m extremely competitive and that’s a huge driving force.

Plant #777

What is the story behind your derby name and number?
There’s no wacky story behind my number. I was at what was probably one of my first scrimmages and had to just pick a number on the spot. Both 7 and 77 were already taken. My derby name brings together two of my primary sources of hilarity…The Simpsons and puns.When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
I started around 6 or 7 years ago. I just happened to come across a Facebook post and the rest is proverbial history.What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
Well from clawing my way through fresh meat (I was not a fast learner) to playing dozens of amazing teams from all over the world. Every step of my career as it were has been with DRD. This was my first time trying out for the national team.

Do you have a ‘signature move’ (or favorite strategy) and if yes what is it?
I have no idea! Derby evolves so rapidly that the moves and strategies are always changing. I don’t think I have a “signature move”

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
I suppose my key piece of advice for anyone aspiring to national level is to just keep going. Keep trying and keep training. Even if you start out slow (like I did) that’s not necessarily an indication of what you’re capable of in the long run.

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
Ask me next week 🙂 So far it’s probably been Beach Brawl.

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
I’ve been well and truly sucked into the cult of roller derby, it’s kind of an addiction! On the days where I’m wrecked tired and bruised, it’s the unreal people and lifelong pals I’ve made in derby that keep me coming back. Plus it’s really exciting to see my league go from strength to strength and I want to stay part of that.

Carton #490

What is the story behind your derby name and number?
Malibruise Stacy is a play on Malibu Stacy from the Simpsons. It worked well since I had blonde hair and a love for Malibu. 490 comes from a song titled 70×7.

When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
I watched Whip It in 2010 and while lamenting online that it wasn’t a real sport a friend of mine corrected me and pointed me in the direction of Dublin Roller Derby which I joined in 2011.

Do you have a ‘signature move’(or favorite strategy) and if yes what is it?
I love a strong defense that is constantly talking about what is happening – I call it conversational derby.

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
Always play up. Don’t be afraid of being the worst on the track and don’t be afraid of feedback.

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
A toss up between being in Dallas for the 2014 World Cup and having my whole family & so many friends there to support me and playing in WFTDA D2 Playoffs in 2017 with Dublin and breaking all the brackets.

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
Getting better at the sport I love. I know if I miss a few training sessions the rest of my teammates will surpass me quickly.

Greenhalgh – Cooney #23

What is the story behind your derby name and number?
A friend came up with the name in the days where you had to have a name. number is my birthday.When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
January 2011 with DRD, read about it in a Ryanair inflight magazine!What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
I am on the Ireland training squad since the last world cup.

Do you have a ‘signature move’ (or favorite strategy) and if yes what is?
Not really…Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
Go to training!

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
D2!

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
Trying to keep improving and keep up with my excellent team mates!

Kansanniva #74

What is the story behind your derby name and number?
Bruise was helping me pick a name,she asked what my fav band was, I said ABBA, she said STABBA and that was that. 74 is the year they won the Eurovision.When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
I started FM May 8th, 2011.Me and Bloody had read about the sport in a Ryanair inflight mag, she joined first, then I joined the FM after.What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
Stages….eugh. I was on the 2014 World Cup squad as jammer but had a really crap time at it so I wanted to do it again to see if I got to play more games as a blocker.

Do you have a ‘signature move’(or favorite strategy) and if yes what is it?
Signature move hmmm! I like a good hard hit in the ovaries if I can get one.

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
Playing on a national team is hard work but also a very good experience as you get to play with a whole new bunch of people and are forced out of your comfort zone. A World Cup squad might have different needs than your own league so you might get to play in a role you usually don’t have. So for that reason you should try out for it! 🙂

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
Highlight would probably be beach brawl 2016 cos we had such a fun time as a team and it was kind of the first time people began to take notice of DRD in a big way.

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
Even after 7 years ii dread going to training the same way you might dread going to a job interview but once I get there it’s always good and you feel a 1000 times better after having a skate with your pals.

Kelly #44

What is the story behind your derby name and number?
I wore a red dress out one night and some other derby players started calling me special k ( like the special k lady in cereal adds) I thought if you’re given a derby name go with it. For my number 4 is my favourite/lucky number so 44 is double the luck!When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
I started fresh meat in september 2011 with Dublin roller derby. I read about it online and then saw some Dublin roller derby guys handing out flyers for a comedy night and asked how I could join.What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
I think hard work and having confidence in my game helped me get to the national team.

Do you have a ‘signature move’(or favorite strategy) and if yes what is it?
Not really a signature move but I love a good positional block on a jammer to really slow them down.

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
The harder someone knocks you down the quicker you need to get back up.

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
Definitely making the Top 20 for team Ireland for the world cup.

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
My team ( beamies) and how hard we push each other to make ourselves better also how much fun we have

Canavan #123

What is the story behind your derby name and number?I have a love-hate relationship with “the sound of music”, especially the song ” how do you solve a problem like Maria”…

When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
With Dublin roller derby in 2012

What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
There was a try-out weekend and I sneaked past!

Do you have a ‘signature move’ (or favorite strategy) and if yes what is?
Not really! I’m not the most flashy I’m afraid, although there is nothing I find more satisfying than a good-ol roll-back on the jammer!

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
I would say that no matter what level you play at, hustle and focus on track will make the difference between success and failure and between improving your skills or stagnating.

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
So many, but I still get that feeling of pride and quite a bit of surprise when I even think about passing freshmeat! At the time that seemed totally unachievable!

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
Definitely hanging out and derbying with my good pals is a big motivator!

Devine #7

What is the story behind your derby name and number?My Nana’s name is Ellie Keating and my Dad is a United fan. One of his children had to play something as 7 for him.

When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
Started about 6 years ago, some pals joined, word of mouth, thought this might be something I can stick with to get myself physically and mentally healthier, and I was right.

What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
I don’t really know, I didn’t come in to this wanting any of that so I suppose that probably contributed in some way. I swam competitively before derby and didn’t want to live that life again. Played with Dublin’s B Team, moved on to the A Team. I just turned up, tried to have a laugh and it went from there.

Do you have a ‘signature move’ (or favorite strategy) and if yes what is?
I love offence. Any kind. I really enjoy timing and awareness and offence won’t happen without either of those.

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
Know why you are doing this and be yourself, regardless of the outcome.

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
D2 with Dublin last summer, for sure. All the WFTDA derby Dublin are playing in general, is the ultimate highlight.

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
Turning up for my pals. Come on you girls in green. =)

Hogarth #17

When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
I joined DRD around 7 years ago and played our first ever game. Last original member standing 🙂 I joined with my two friends after they got recruited and bribed with cake in a pub.What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
I was unable to try out for the national team the first time around because of my Swedish nationality but traveled to Canada as the teams line up manager. I made the national team the second time around, as the requirements for the squad changed to residency. This time I made the squad but not the final cut. However, it’s a great experience and opportunity to train with the best.Do you have a ‘signature move’ (or favorite strategy) and if yes what is it?
I don’t have any signature moves. I am a blocker, so I tend to be a little more solid, but I’m working to adapt.

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
My advice would be not to neglect your mental game 🙂 you need a strong mind in order to keep pushing yourself, participate in high level games and be the best team mate you can be. Enjoy learning!

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
I loved getting to D2 with my Dublin Team!

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
Whenever I feel tired or not in the mood, I go to training anyway because I know I will feel better afterwards and the rewards no matter how far away will be worth it! The feeling of achievement!

KT Rex #111

What is the story behind your derby name and number?
My Derby name KT-Rex is based on my favorite Dinosaur – The Tyrannosaurus Rex who is my spirit animal because we are both big, we both treck things and we both have T’s in our name 🙂 My number 111 is meant to resemble claw mark which does in some fonts otherwise I am number 1 three times!When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
I first heard about it when a college mate put a couple pictures up on her Facebook page. I was looking for a sport and was going to try out for tag Rugby but skating sounded much more fun than running. I signed up to DRD open skate, they informed me I was very welcome but there was a club closer to me which had a derby team so I joined up with East Coast Cyclones. I learned to skate for 2 months on Smyths kids extendable skates – you should learn to tomahawk on those bad boys :/ For my 30th birthday I got a Riedell fresh meat skate pack. I was with ECC for two years and been with Dublin for three.What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
I am not sure what the stages were? I was signed up to try out for team Ireland but I didn’t do it because I went through a tough time with my confidence and it would have really upset me not to have made the team so I talked myself out of it but I do think it wasn’t the right time for me. I remember skating around talking with my Derby wife Pox and friend Jamrog (who are also both Polish) about hoping someone would put a Polish team together for the world cup and we would all apply. For different reasons it wasn’t possible for them at that time but I said, Feck it and submitted anyway. Why not, meet new people, learn more about Poland and my heritage. It is a massive honor to be chosen and I am so proud of myself and the team already. I have had amazing encouragement from both my Coaches and good friends and family.

Do you have a ‘signature move’ (or favorite strategy) and if yes what is it?
I love to recycle an opposing jammer.

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
I am not one to give advice but I suppose just try not to listen to any negativity that doesn’t serve you. Always show up and give it all when you can but also look after your health and know when to rest.

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
There has been a few but I suppose that I got my confidence back enough to try out for team Poland and then actually making the team. Brat from London said she wanted to be in a pack with me which made me feel fantastic. I love getting positive feedback from my peers too. This sport can be so bloody tough on you but I have learned never to compare myself to others who quickly learn or progress faster. I have learnt if I keep working hard, showing up and doing what is right for me, then every training becomes a highlight. (That’s a bit slushy and gross, apologies)

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
Our training in DRD is fantastic and there is always so much to learn. I love the challenges. I love when you keep repeating a drill but then you forget about it but it is there in your batman tool belt of skills and all of a sudden you whip it out on track and surprise yourself that you could do and did do it.

Clarke #90

What is the story behind your derby name and number?
My number is 90 (the year I was born although I’m not sure I should be admitting that anymore!!) and my derby name is Lana Pain – a name that was born late night in the pub when me and my Freshmeat pals were all out celebrating passing min skill! It comes from a great TV show called Archer where there’s a kick ass character named Lana Kane and of course the wonderful brain of Crash (#555 DRD).

When and where did you start playing derby/how did you hear about it?
I started playing derby in 2013, I had heard of the sport when I was studying in the States but it was only when I saw that my friend Damo (MuFasta) was involved that I knew about Derby in Ireland and immediately messaged him about how I could get involved! I still don’t understand why anyone wouldn’t want to play this sport!

What were the stages in your skater career to get to the national team?
I passed FM in June 2013, got my first DRD jersey September 2013 and have been lucky enough to move up through the DRDs competitive league to the WFTDA charter in 2014 and have played for DRD charter since. I actually however played my first ever bout with our pals down in ECC in Oct 2013!! I didn’t try out for the team in 2014 (having only just made DRD B team) so I was delighted to make the training squad in 2016 and ecstatic to make the final 20 in 2017!

Do you have a ‘signature move’ (or favorite strategy) and if yes what is it?
I really hope I don’t – I am 100% sure that the best people to ask this are our TI jammers!!

Could you share a key piece of advice in your opinion for aspiring national and team players?
I could share a key piece of life advice that applies to everything from my very great pal and life coach…Dumbledore — ”It’s our choices, Harry, that show us what we truly are, far beyond our abilities”. Basically choose to go to training and not just show up, choose to try the hardest, sweat the most and have a focused plan to set you up for success.

What do you consider the highlight of your roller derby career?
Pittsburgh. D2 playoffs 2017. Be still my beating heart…

What motivates you to go to training week after week?
My team. We’re all in this together and we’re all counting on each other to get to the next level. Although I’m not going to lie and say I don’t give out all the way there some cold rainy days!!