Slammi Sweetheart

How did you come up with your derby name and number?
Jersey Shore. It’s a secret (not anymore) infatuation. Besides the pop culture reference, it suits my personality just fine I think. The number I came up with to compliment the name <33.

How long have you been skating?
Since February of 2011. I bought my skates, and showed up to a PFM New Skater, only to fall consistently on my rear… Nesta Viperz came up to me in the parking lot afterwards, and asked if I’d be back- the rest, is history.

Who is your derby idol?
Uber Wench from Central Mass Rollerderby, who introduced me to the sport, and Mila Minute from LADD, because she’s a badass. And Leeloo from Rat City and Tilted Thunder, because she was a great coach and role model for new skaters… I don’t think I’ll ever forget my first few PFM’s with her, and later sharing the track in TTRB’s Flight School.

What derby related injuries, if any, have you had?
The worst (so far) is a partially torn rotator cuff, after that everything has been pretty minor- pulled groin, bruised tailbone, rail rash, fishnet imprinted rink rash, and a plethora of bruises.

How has derby improved your life?
It’s revived my confidence and sense of self. I have been an athlete since I was a small child, and could kick a soccer ball. My lacrosse career ended with college, and before derby, I had a void- a void filled with food, beer, and lame gym memberships in a vain attempt to get back in shape.

I also have a whole group of friends! I moved to this city October 2010, and knew no one, except my boyfriend. My life consisted of minimal work and waiting around for the Manbeast to get home. Now I have a whole group of amazingly interesting women to surround me, and now Manbeast waits for me to be finished with derby.

Do you have a quote/saying that means a lot to you?
Go big or go home. This can be applied to all aspects of life- career, ragers that get busted, or derby.

If you could give any advice to a new or interested skater, what would it be?
Do it. Derby will change your life. You’ll meet the friends you never knew were out there, and learn about yourself.

What is your biggest fear?
Getting hit into the outfield, and splatting onto the cement. And spiders, I’m terrified of spiders.

What is your beverage of choice?
7n7’s or a cold draft beer.

If you could be anything other than human, what would you be?
A vampire. Or a Pegasus. Flying horses? You can’t beat that.