Skater of the Month - Sins
NAME: Sins
NUMBER: 89
How did you get involved with roller derby? It was before we even had a league in Dundee, I stumbled across someone on Myspace looking to start one in 2009. A small group of us formed from that, started skating weekly at the local skatepark and the rest is history!
Tell us about your derby name and number?
My name was not actually my first choice, but the one I wanted was already taken, because this was back in the day when there was a huge list of derby names online and you couldn't have the same as someone else, even if they were halfway across the world! Anyway I settled on Sins 'n' Needles after seeing it as someone's username on a web forum and 19 year old me thought it was so clever and edgy. I just go by Sins nowadays. My number is just my year of birth, original I know.
What is your skate gear of choice?
I've been skating on Vanilla Blackouts with Suregrip Avenger plates for years but have just bought a pair of Chaya Sapphire Elite's that I'm still in the process of moulding, my wheels are Juice Javas in 90a. S1 helmet and knee pads and 187 elbow and wristguards.
Before you discovered roller derby, were you involved in any other sports/exercise? If yes, how has derby impacted on this?
I had never done a sport before derby, outside of PE in school that is. I actively avoided it, didn't even go to the gym, different story now though!
What is your position of choice?
Always a blocker, one of the few times I jammed I returned from the bin and forgot I was the jammer and joined the pack, wondering why the other team were ganging up on me. So yeah...
Which teams have you skated with?
I've played for both our A and B teams. I've never been part of another league or guested for any, been in plenty of mixed teams in my time though.
Do you have a pre/post-bout ritual?
Well it's been a while, but usually just the practical stuff, like remember to eat properly, check over my kit, and go to the loo beforehand, that kinda stuff, I'm not a superstitious person so nothing's for luck.
How would you describe your derby playing style, do you have a signature move?
I'm very calm, I always look like I'm not doing anything in photos, but everyone says I'm really hard to get past, and my calmness just annoys them! I don't know if I'd call that a signature move.
What is your day job? How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
I am a medical technologist, which means I repair and service hospital equipment, mostly IV pumps, patient monitors and a little bit of ultrasound and surgical imaging equipment. I've been involved with derby so long I genuinely can't remember what life was like without it, I've made a lot of my friends through derby so my social life has probably been the most affected part.
Favourite motivational quote?
It's a long process, but quitting won't speed it up.
Who do you choose as next month’s Skater of the month?
I choose a skater I've watched grow from the day they started, they've come so far and worked really hard to get there. They played their first game at our home teams this year and were amazing. It's Steve Dodgers!
