Shady Hawkins

What's your role in the DDD organization?

I am the bench coach for the Slaughterers home team, as well as a member of Team Announcer. I have also served as an official in the past.

How/why did you get involved in roller derby?

When b0n3z and I got married in 2012, I sold my house, car, furniture, packed up the dogs and 3 suitcases and moved to Alaska where he was stationed with the Army. I didn't have a job, a car, or anyone that I knew. But he had recently met a referee with Rage City in Anchorage and had started volunteering as a non-skating official. I went to a game where he was officiating, and the rest is history.

How did you come up with your derby name?

As a sufferer of chronic migraines with light sensitivity, the early days of my derby involvement meant wearing sunglasses indoors regularly because I didn't really have many options then. Thus, while my name is also a play on Sadie Hawkins, it is mostly a nod to the fact that my first couple years, I wore shades at the vast majority of derby events due to sports facility lighting.

What made you decide to get involved in the volunteer aspect of DDD?

My spouse and I had already been involved with roller derby for some time. It was only natural that when we moved home to Dallas, we got involved when we came back. The day we flew home, we dropped our stuff off and went straight to Clover Cup 2014 to meet people and connect.

What's been your favorite volunteer activity?

While I love officiating and coaching (and don't plan on quitting the Slaughts bench any time soon), I found my passion in announcing. Shout out to the Texas Trifecta (Hattrick Harry, Piggy Phatness, and Captain Motorboater) for seeing my potential, teaching me, and giving me the opportunity to fly. After a brief retirement, I am back on the mic and I am currently using that passion to serve on the WFTDA Announcer Development Committee, alongside an amazing group of people, with a goal of increasing education and opportunities for a more diverse announcer community worldwide.

What do you like to do outside of derby?

Outside of roller derby, you can catch me out at the barn with my horse, or counting airplanes while playing soccer with my 2 1/2 year old, Morgan.

What's your advice to parents of new skaters?

As someone that grew up skating, often spending countless hours each weekend at the rink with my friends, I can confirm that skating made me more confident, secure and aware of my body, and allowed me to take risks (mostly safely) and learn lessons. Our junior skaters are some of the toughest and bravest kiddos I've met. With your support and faith in them, they can accomplish amazing things!

And if you're an adult and aren't sure if derby is for you, DDD even has a program for that too! You never know until you try. And if it turns out skating isn't your thing, that's cool too! I am a perfect example of someone that isn't physical enough to play that was able to find their place in this great sport. Skating as a player isn't the only path for opportunities and camaraderie. Volunteering is just as satisfying.

What are some upcoming events derby folks (& regular folks!) can get involved with?

If you're interested in learning to skate, check out Underworld! It's a safe, non-judgemental space to get some wheels under you to figure it out, both for players AND for folks that want to be a referee. The leadership team is always helpful with feedback and suggestions.

We also have our next set of home games coming up on August 17th! If you're interested in spectating to see what this roller derby stuff is all about, or shadowing an announcer or other position, let us know! We are always looking to fill the ranks of the next generations of officials, announcers, etc. DO IT. #becauseShadysaidso

August 2024 : Volunteer of the Month