June 2019: Skater of the Month

Biggie Smalls

Underworld

How did you come up with your derby name?

I chose it based on my size since I'm not sure what my skill is just yet. Plus, I like telling people that there's ‘a lot of 'big' in this 'little' after I tell them my name.

Do you have a favorite derby memory?

It was when I was learning how to plow in my first Underworld session and I busted HARD with my back flat on the ground. I was thinking, 'Juice (our training coach) is watching me right now and I have to look tough.' So I slowly stood up trying to look un-phased, even though it felt like I had just left half my butt cemented into the rink floor, and went back to working on plows. I typically don't care what people think when I mess up. That was when I knew I was going to play this sport.

What's the most rewarding aspect of playing the game?

The contact and the friendships. Roller derby is a high contact sport which I love. There isn't just a whole lot of high contact sports out there that I know of. I have made some great friends through roller derby, seriously, I feel like I have found my tribe. Shout out to my derby wife Donna Darko and the Derby Dumpster Fire crew!

Is there anything you're scared to try?

Funny you should ask. At our last practice, we were skating as fast as we could and then were doing suicide stops. The first time I didn't even do it; as I was getting closer to the wall I just screamed and did a plow. Then I looked around and saw everyone else either doing them successfully or falling and rolling on the ground. My crew is very inspiring even when they fall, because when they go at something, they go at it HARD.

A big misconception is that all derby players are "tough broads" and not at all feminine. What would you tell them?

I'm really not sure how to answer this question. I see a bunch of empowered women inspiring other people to do their best. I'm really not sure what is masculine or feminine anymore. I feel like this generation has blown up what the stereotype (of gender roles) are supposed to look like.

Playing any sport is a huge commitment. How do you juggle that along with your life outside of derby?

Very carefully. I actually take this very seriously. It is all about balance and knowing that you are not going to be able to make everyone happy all the time.

If you could choose one skill in roller derby to perfect in an hour, what would it be and why?

Apex jumps, because they look awesome when done well.