Skater of the Month - JAX

NAME: JAX

NUMBER: 23

How did you get involved with roller derby?

I was visiting my uncle and his friends in Germany when they invited me along to watch a team called the Hamburg Harbor Girls competing against the Stockholm Bstrds, in some sport I’d never heard of called ‘roller derby’. I sat and spectated, with a beer in hand in some suburban school gym hall, watching this amazing full-contact sport. I never imagined I’d be a part of this sport that I was watching, but my friend Sandy – who is a huge fan of roller derby - told me that there was a team back home in Dundee that I should check out. I took part in some taster sessions and got hooked – the rest is history!

Tell us about your derby name and number?

My derby name, ‘JAX’, isn’t the most inventive, since my family and friends have always called me ‘Jack’. I thought I would be better off with a name that I would respond to quickly and naturally on track, so JAX was a perfect choice – and who doesn’t love Jax Teller from Sons of Anarchy?

My number is even more unimaginative – my birthday is on the 23rd, so it seemed like a natural choice!

What is your skate gear of choice?

I skate with Riedell R3s, with Radar Presto 88A wheels. I have Killer 187 knee pads, which I love because I fall over a lot!

Before you discovered roller derby were you involved in any other sports/exercise, and if yes how has derby impacted on this?

I’ve been involved in sport for most of my life, from playing football to fencing. I also really enjoy training to achieve a specific goal - I’ve completed the Edinburgh Marathon, the Dundee Half-Marathon and Tough Mudder (two years in a row).

What is your position of choice?

At the moment I am most comfortable blocking. I really enjoy working on walls in practice, and putting them into play during a game, although I really want to work on my agility on skates, and on my fitness to make me a better jammer.

Which teams have you skated with?

I have skated with the Dundee Roller Girls B team – Bonnie Colliders, which I am so privileged to be a part of. We are a great team, and considering this season was our first time all skating together I can really see us going far. This year I have skated for the Press Gangsters, as part of the Dundee Home Team games, and we were lucky enough to win this season! I am looking forward to seeing which team I will be on next year. I have also been a wee Stump on the Stumps vs Gangles game!

Do you have a pre/post-bout ritual?

Pre-bout, I try to have a good breakfast and drink plenty of water. Post-bout, I usually celebrate (or commiserate!) with beer!

How would you describe your derby playing style, do you have a signature move?

I don’t really have a signature move, but my Mum and Dad think I’m pretty good at going to the sin bin!

What is your day job? How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?

I work at Dundee Rep Theatre as an Admin Assistant. My involvement in roller derby has inspired me to increase my fitness and has introduced me to a fantastic new group of people!

Favourite motivational quote?

A person who never made a mistake never tried anything new. – Albert Einstein.

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

I feel incredibly lucky to skate with each and every member of the Dundee Roller Girls - everyone is so lovely, and so supportive. Everyone is willing to take time out of their training to help others and it is just a lovely team to be a part of.

I am so grateful to have been nominated by the lovely Beyoncé Knuckles. I would now like to pass the nomination on to another skater who started with my newbie intake – it is Rae’n of Terror! Rachel is always really positive at training and during games and is constantly wowing us with her jumps. This girl has no fear!