Scrappers D-Lite

How did you come up with your derby name and number?
“I said a hip hop,
Hippie to the hippie,
The hip, hip a hop, and you don't stop, a rock it
To the bang bang boogie, say, up jump the boogie,
To the rhythm of the boogie, the beat…”

--The Sugarhill Gang, “Rapper’s Delight”

Need I say more? Not only a timeless song, but it was a hit single in 1979 – the year I was born. It was destiny for me to become Scrappers D-Lite! As for my number (1-2-3-4), it comes from the lyrics of the song:

“i said 1-2-3-4, come on girls get on the floor
a-come alive, y’all a-gimme what ya got”

Why did you join TTRB?
I went to a bout in Tacoma last year and instantly knew I wanted to do derby. I got home and started searching online to find out how to get involved and read about Tilted Thunder. I was really excited that they are bringing back the banked track style of derby, and I thought it would be fulfilling to be a part of a new start-up league. Unfortunately I just missed the last pick-ups, so I skated with Potential Fresh Meat (PFM) for a couple months before the team had their first tryouts in April. I am one of the first group of new ‘chicks’ on Tilted Thunder!

What derby related injuries, if any, have you had?
Many. Huge. Bruises. My tender white skin bruises on contact, so you can imagine that I’ve had some doozies…particularly on my butt.

How has derby improved your life?
Derby has made me believe that I’m athletic! Although it’s a challenging sport and sometimes I forget to believe in myself, I feel like I’ve found a team sport that fits me perfectly. It also gives me reason to work out, not only at practices but outside of derby as well, to get stronger and faster and be able to knock people down!

What do you do with your time, other than derby?
I love to travel – anywhere, anytime. Just in the past three months, I’ve been to NYC, Napa and Montana…now the plan is to start saving for Europe. Other interests include cooking, movies, live music, dancing and anything outdoors – a day at the lake, hiking, camping, taking my dog to the park, etc. Also, I’m a big fan of lounging…between work, derby and my social activities, a girl’s gotta rest, right?!

If you could give any advice to a new or interested skater, what would it be?
Jump right in and do it! It’s such an empowering sport, but it’s important to always take a step back and remind yourself not to be too hard on yourself and have fun with it.

What makes you happy?
When something finally ‘clicks’ while I’m skating and I feel my skills are improving! I’m obsessed with mastering the turn-around toe stop…when that happens, I’m going to be a very happy girl.

Other things outside of derby that make me happy – my family, girlfriend, buddies, dog, when it’s sunny in Seattle, happy hour, gourmet food, good wine, dessert, weekends…

What is your favorite color?
Coincidentally, purple has been my fave color since I was a wee tyke. Guess it was meant to be that I would later being wearing purple and red with the Rail Birds!

What is your favorite movie?
I think I’ve answered this question the same since 1998 when this movie came out – How Stella Got Her Groove Back. Maybe I need to reassess my movies, but for now, I’m staying loyal to Stella.

What is your beverage of choice?
Couldn’t decide…so I have two. Vodka Soda with Lemon at night and Bloody Marys in the morning. Does that make me sound like a boozer?