Skater of the Month - Jill Antonic

NAME: Jill Antonic

NUMBER: 76

What is the best part of roller derby?

The people! I’ve met some of the nicest people and made some really solid friends through roller derby. I also love an away trip: in the last few years I’ve had some epic derby holidays with trips to New York city, London, Berlin, Philadelphia, Toronto, London and the bustling metropolis that is Wakefield! I’m really looking forward to visiting Dallas for the world cup in 2014, and also going down to Swansea, who came up to play us in June and were loads of fun.

What do you think is the most important thing for a new skater to learn?

Patience and perseverance!! Everyone learns at different rates and enters the sport with a different level of skating ability so it’s not fair to compare yourself to others. That’s something I love about derby, there’s a place for everyone in this sport.

How did you first hear about roller derby?

There was an article in a sunday paper a few years ago that my boss brought into work for me. He said I should give it a go because I like skating and like hitting folk! At the time I played ice hockey, I’ve since given that up, although roller derby is much rougher than ice hockey ever was!

What do you do for the league besides skate?

Bake cakes, that is my true calling! I’m also Head of the Fundraising, PR and Sponsorship commitees and a member of the Training committee. I’m a big believer that a league is run by the skaters, for the skaters. DRG have lots of exciting things planned for 2014 so we’re fundraising hard to make them all possible.

Who do you choose as next month’s Skater of the Month?

Our very own Haribo-providing origami expert, Miss Puggy aka Ellin!