Skater of the Month - Steve Dodgers

NAME: Steve Dodgers

NUMBER: 217

How did you get involved with roller derby?

I had recently moved to Dundee for work and was looking for ways to meet new people outside of the office. I already knew about roller derby and the DRG, so thought I’d turn up to the new intake and give it a go. I haven’t looked back since.

Tell us about your derby name and number?

Steve Dodgers is a play upon Steve Rogers, aka. Captain America. Comics are a huge part of my life, so I wanted something that would tie into that. Steve Rogers seemed like a good fit for me. #217 is inspired by the scariest thing I could think of (and one of my favourite books): Stephen King’s The Shining.

What is your skate gear of choice?

I’m still on my starter kit: Killer 187 knee, elbow and wrist guards, Triple 8 helmet, Sisu mouthguard, and Sure-Grip Rock GT-50 skates. I’ve replaced those wheels with any 88s I could get my hands on, as I like to stick to the floor.

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

I wasn’t part of any team sports before joining the DRG. I went to the gym a few times a week, but that was about it. I love the supportiveness and team spirit at roller derby, so it’s definitely taken the top spot for my sport of choice.

What is your position of choice?

Having only skated in one bout, I think it’s fair to say I’m still figuring that out! The great thing about Home Teams 2017 being my first game was that I could try all different positions in an actual game situation.

Which teams have you skated with?

The Jammin’ Dodgers – I was really proud to skate my first bout with such a brilliant team at Home Teams!

Do you have a pre/post-bout ritual?

Judging by my Home Teams experience, pre-bout there’s a lot of panic and nervous jitters; post-bout there’s a lot of carbs!

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

Again, I think it’s probably a bit too soon to have a signature move. At the moment, I’m still a bit of a ‘Bambi’ when I’m on track.

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

I edit comics for a living. Roller derby has had such an amazing impact on my life. I’m a bit of an anxious person, and I’ve been so much more self-assured and confident since joining the DRG. I deal with people a lot as part of my job, so that growth in confidence is a brilliant boost for me, and I’m more comfortable in being assertive when I need to be. I also really like having a couple of hours a week that’s purely for myself, where I can build on new skills and come out feeling like I’ve achieved something each time.

Favourite motivational quote?

“No one looks stupid when they’re having fun.” – Amy Poehler.

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

This was so difficult, because my absolute favourite part of being a member of the DRG is definitely the people who have been amazing and supportive throughout my derby journey. I’d nominate everyone if I could, but the person I’d like to nominate really helped me through my third intake as we worked on our last few skills together: Angrea #247.