July 2024 : Volunteer of the Month
Mother Funker
Image Credit: Cisco Gomez
What's your role in the DDD organization?
Junior’s Chair
How/why did you get involved in roller derby?
Growing up, my mom always told me that I’d make a great roller derby player but didn’t have the resources to connect me with a league. I was looking for a new activity for my kids and thanks to the internet, I was able to find DDD and discover Rolling Rebellion. I took the family to watch a game and Sundew was hooked.
How did you come up with your derby name?
Being in a “team mom” role with the last name of Funk, I was being called “Mama Funk” so I knew I needed to act fast before that name stuck. Sundew came up with the solution of Mother Funker which was way too perfect to pass up.
What made you decide to get involved in the volunteer aspect of DDD?
The kids. This league and the juniors program cannot exist without volunteers. Being able to create a positive and inclusive space for our juniors is so important. I am passionate about providing them with a safe space to be themselves, make friends, and participate in a team sport. Our juniors, parents, coaches, trainers, and adult league members have all come together to build that space.
What's been your favorite volunteer activity?
I always have a great time when I get to NSO, however my other responsibilities tend to prevent me from being able to do so as often as I would like. Outside of derby specifically, volunteering with DDD at the Tarrant Area Food Bank is a blast!
What do you like to do outside of derby?
Sundew and I share a love of houseplants and we are slowly turning our house into a rainforest.
What's your advice to parents of new skaters?
Get involved, ask questions. You are surrounded by people who love this sport and would love the opportunity to teach you more about it. Our practice game nights are the perfect opportunity to learn about the sport on a whole different level by shadowing various NSO positions.
What are some upcoming events derby folks (& regular folks!) can get involved with?
July 22 is our next Juniors’ Game night where we will be giving even our most beginner skaters some gameplay experience. It’s much slower paced than when derby is played full-contact, so it’s the perfect chance to learn! We also have another opportunity at TAFB coming up on August 9, which is perfect for volunteering together as a family.