May 2024 : Skater of the Month
Vishus$amilishus
How long have you been skating?
I started skating when I was probably about 6 or 7 years old. I grew up at the rink… I am now 30, flirty and thriving. 😅
When did you first hear about roller derby and when did you join a league?
I got my derby name while sitting on the couch with my grandma and trying to come up with a name. She was the one that came up with my name and she told me it is scary and sexy. Haha. It’s stuck ever since.
How did you come up with your name?
I had just gotten out of a bad relationship and I was broken mentally, emotionally and physically and needed something that could be my safe place. I first heard about roller derby when I watched the movie “Whip It.” I know … cliche. I got so inspired. I googled it and I found a league that was very new at the time (North Texas Derby Dolls). Iykyk. It was 2010 and I was a baby just out of high school. After my first practice, I instantly fell in love with roller derby.
What position do you play?
I’ve always been a blocker preferably the outside or the brace of a tripod. But I would love to do more jamming to become a PBJ.
What was the hardest skill for you to learn as a new skater?
When I started skating, the hardest thing for me was form, endurance and pack awareness. I remember being pulled to the side to work on my form because I was working against myself, causing me to get tired faster. I did a lot of watching and copying what more seasoned skaters did. I tried to skate behind them to copy their form and see how I can change things. Through watching videos of derby on YouTube about strategy and talking and practicing with my coaches, I learned more pack awareness. I learned how to put myself in the other blockers’ minds to understand why they made the moves they did. I’ve always had a strategic mind, trying to learn and adapt to the player/play. So honestly just getting to skate in bouts and scrimmages and even just four line drills helped me with it.
What's your favorite post-bout meal?
My favorite meal post-game is al pastor tacos and rice and beans either with horchata or a beer.
What do you like to do outside of derby?
What I like to do outside of derby is hang out with my husband, kids and family. Play video games. Dig around in my garden. I love being outside, enjoying the little things. I’m an esthetician and love to do facials/waxing. I put God first in my life. I love to eat and try new foods. I LOVE dancing to all music. And fishing 🎣
Do you have any advice for new skaters?
My advice for new skaters would be to ask for constructive criticism from seasoned skaters. Don’t be afraid to ask the questions, because that’s how you learn. Practice outside at the park to get your skills down. Be open to trying uncomfortable things. Even if you try it once and your body “doesn’t move that way,” at least you tried it and it won’t be as scary when you do it again. Don’t be so hard on yourself, we all come from different skill sets. There will be times you feel like you just ain’t getting it, ask for help. 💜INVEST in good pads. You’re going to be falling, taking and giving hits. You want to make sure you protect your joints and bones etc.. but most of all have fun and you will be surprised what you can accomplish!