January 2019: Skater of the Month

The Boss of Chaos #7181, High Seas Hotties

What prompted you to get involved in roller derby?

I grew up going to Dad's rink as a kid and always enjoyed skating. In my twenties, life led me all over the world... but I did see a Valentines day bout years ago and thought it would be fun to try. Once I settled back down in Dallas I looked up how to get involved with derby. My first season I was an NSO, which was a great way to learn rules and strategy first. 

How did you come up with your derby name?

Coming up with my skater name was such a fun process! I would be washing dishes or driving and a name would randomly pop into my head. It was hard to choose one, my top few were Penelope Bruise, Happy Killmore, and the Tex Mex Terror. I settled on Boss of Chaos because it had a nice ring to it. Life can be chaotic at times and growing up I was self proclaimed bossy! Haha Some people call me Chaos, but most call me Boss. 

Do you have a favorite derby memory?

Wow! I have had so many wonderful memories. The year I started derby was the year Dallas hosted the Roller Derby World Cup. It was such an honor to be on the track repair team for the gold medal game. Seeing so much talent from all across the globe was awe inspiring! Another epic moment was when my team of 4 years won our first home team game together. The Hotties have worked so hard over the years to be a skilled and cohesive team. It was so nice to finally be rewarded with a win! 

What position are you most comfortable playing?

I am a blocker. My favorite is positional blocking and working with my teammates to prevent the opposing jammer from getting by. This last season I worked on improving my strategy and offense.

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

I love that roller derby shatters so many limitations! People from all ages and backgrounds come together and play their heart out in a sport they love. I was an athlete growing up-volleyball and softball, so to play this fast paced sport as an adult has been a blast! I feel like you can be fierce on the track and feminine too. I usually sport glitter eyeshadow and lipstick at bouts, with a bright bandana and bold crazy print workout pants. Outside of derby I love wearing dresses, but also love getting dirty and participating in mud runs/obstacle course races. So I am definitely part tomboy, part girly girl. Embrace who you are, derby has definitely taught me that. 

Have you held any fun/unique jobs over the years?

My life has been quite adventurous thus far. I have led backpacking trips in Maine, snorkel trips in the Florida Keys, taught Science in the mountains of California and worked with seriously ill kids at a summer camp in Ireland. Other highlights include hand raising baby lion cubs at a zoo, saving injured dolphins and sea turtles in the gulf of Mexico and swimming with sharks and stingrays for a living in Hawaii. I also worked for the Dallas Mavericks for several years the first time they made it to the finals and a few local radio stations in Marketing/Promotions.

If you could go back and talk to yourself as a newbie skater, what advice would you give her?

Wow! If I knew then what I know now! Don't compare your journey to other people's. I assumed that because I was an athlete growing up that derby would come easy to me, but it did not. I had to practice and practice, both on my own and with the league to improve my skills. There is always something to strive to be better at, even 5 seasons in. Also, don't let your nerves get the best of you! I got test anxiety my first assessments and "failed" the pace line portion. I wanted so badly to pass and be on a team, that I froze and couldn't execute a simple skill that I could easily do. I didn't let that deter me from my goals, I continued to work on my skating and my mental game, so that nerves wouldn't get the best of me again. Most of all, have fun!