Skater of the Month - GingerSnap

NAME: GingerSnap

NUMBER: 789

How did you get involved with roller derby?

I saw it advertised on Facebook when I was looking for a flat in Dundee, and I started with the next intake after I moved. I needed to met new people as I knew no-one in Dundee at the time.

Tell us about your derby name and number?

My fiancée came up with the name GingerSnap and it stuck. My number is the best pun I could think of: Why is 6 scared of 7? Because 789.

What is your skate gear of choice?

I'm currently still using my newbie kit, which is Suregrip GT50s with Heartless Creeper wheels.

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

I used to ski race between the age of 12 and 20. A lot of the muscles used in skiing are also used in derby so it has been some help. But my fitness level really dropped when I stopped skiing competitively, so derby has been great for getting that back again!

What is your position of choice?

I'm definitely a blocker! I absolutely love doing offence as well.

Which teams have you skated with?

Skated with the Bonnie Colliders (DRD's B Team) for two games now, also played a few mixed games.

Do you have a pre/post-bout ritual?

Pre-bout, my ritual is to get on track for warm up and have a good cry. That's the point anxiety really cripples me with skating.

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

I don't think I've been playing long enough to have a style or signature move, Mostly just anxiety filled hitting people when I can.

What is your day job?

I'm a junior doctor in NHS Tayside.

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

Derby has made me more confident and much happier. It has helped me massively with my mental health. And now I have friends who are awesome!