Tripsy Daisy

How did you come up with your derby name and number?
I grew up with my mom saying “oopsy daisy” to me as a kid whenever I fell. It just made sense that my skater name should pay homage to my mom, who was a brave woman and always trying new things in her life, and that fact that I fell a lot as a kid and I fall a lot in derby.

Why did you join TTRB?
As I was looking into the local flat track leagues, trying to decide where was the best fit for me, I heard about a start up banked track league. The idea of being at the beginning stages of something, helping to create the atmosphere of a group that would last long after I was done skating, appealed to me much more than just being another skater joining a league that was already set up.

How long have you been skating?
I had my own blue and yellow Adidas tennis shoe skates as a kid, skating on the street with no pads or helmet. In the 70’s you fell, you scraped a knee or broke a bone. That was just part of being a kid. I then moved on to the junior high skating parties. I new how to do cross overs and a little backwards skating, but that was it. Most of my skating abilities have come from derby.

Who is your derby idol?
Anya Heels.

Besides skating, what service do you provide to the league and the community?
For the league I am the head of the inter-league committee, I’m on the executive committee, recruiting committee and I’m the liaison between the skaters and our CIA (refs and officials).
For the community I am up for helping out when needed. Although I’m not on the volunteer committee I jump in where I can.

How has derby improved your life?
I’m physically more fit. I’m less affected by daily stress. I have a purpose outside of work. I have more friends than I have time. I set goals and reach them, much to my continuing satisfaction. I’m even more organized than I was before, because I have so much to do on a day to day basis. I have even more amazing friends to encourage and challenge me.

What do you like most about Roller Derby?
I like the sport itself, the friendships and the mutual encouragement and support.

Do you have a quote/saying that means a lot to you?
I know it’s corny, but my senior quote in my year book was a line from a Led Zeppelin song, “Yes, there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there’s still time to change the road you’re on.” I like the idea that at any given time I can change direction. That works for life decisions and derby.

What makes you happy?
Skating, cocktails with friends, being on the water on a sunny day, a savings account, meeting goals, a new pair of shoes, a new pair of skates, vacations, paychecks, insurance, being a good friend.

What are your likes?
Soup, David Bowie, a new banked track, the beginning of a relationship, tea, board games, vodka, my derby sisters, the ocean in the winter.

What are your dislikes?
Cooked peas, Jack Johnson, a dirty sport court, the end of a relationship, coffee, video games, gin, skaters on the other team, a pool in the winter.

If you could give any advice to a new or interested skater, what would it be?
Don’t give up. The more you skate the faster you improve. When you hit a plateau, go ask for help.