March 2025 : Skater of the Month
Photo taken by Thorpeland Photography
March for the Dallas Derby Devils can only mean one thing…. The Clover Cup Invitational! Having a rich history and starting over a decade ago, it’s one of our most exciting features all year!
To celebrate, March’s skater of the month is Gillotine Grace, who skates under #235! She’s been with DDD for a while- and participated in her first clover cup in 2013!
What made you start doing derby?
I played college basketball. When I graduated and moved to Texas I was desperate to find a competitive outlet. I tried kickboxing and city league basketball but it never scratched the itch. One night out with friends having a fishbowl, we discussed CB handles which turned into derby names and from there it was "we should play roller derby." I found a team in Brownwood, TX shortly after.
How has the clover cup changed since you started?
I played in my first Clover Cup in 2014. For several years it was only WFTDA sanctioned games. Usually a 7 team double elimination bracket for Army of Darkness and a game for Battalion of Doom. In 2016, we added 2 MRDA games. In 2018, we introduced the 3 team round robin for Battalion of Doom as well as a female division JRDA featuring the best of Texas split between 2 teams. Then in 2019 the Rolling Rebellion were added to Clover Cup. As our program has expanded, our tournament has morphed to ensure we are providing unique opportunities for all our members.
If you could bring back anything from the old days of derby for the clover cup, what would you change?
Afterparties used to be WILD! We are looking forward to bringing back an epic Sunday afterparty this year. We've partnered with Rock & Brews in Grapevine - phenomenal food and great music! Make plans now to join us!
Why keep coming back to DDD and the clover cup in particular?
Clover Cup is a skaters' tournament. It's a full weekend immersion in high level derby. Games are incredibly competitive and many come down to the last few jams. There's so much comradery on display as well. This is a not to be missed event for skaters and hardcore derby fans!
What’s your favorite DDD memory?
I have 2 that stand out most actually. Dallas Derby Devils Army of Darkness qualifying for 2015 WFTDA Divison 1 Playoffs hosted by Dallas. We worked so hard since the summer of 2014 to return to D1 rankings! (We lost to Philly then beat Ohio, Sun State and Crime City in the tournament!) Then in 2019, we officially integrated the Rolling Rebellion into DDD giving us JRDA Open and Female Division teams. These were both huge lifts, in different ways, and 100% worth the work!
Why should people check out clover cup 2025?
Clover Cup 2025 will be incredibly exciting! We have several teams who are attending for the first time as well as teams outside of the WFTDA South Region. The West Region teams are especially strong (Team Montana & Rocky Mountain Roller Derby) so it will be a great opportunity to test the metal of Army of Darkness!
Clover cup is bound to be a ton of fun this year, so make sure to check it out!