DRD Spotlight - DodGem
Skate name: DodGem | Number: 934 | Started skating: 2017
How did you hear about Roller Derby and the DRD?
I initially found out about roller derby when I attended the GB Tattoo Convention years ago – they had roller derby on at the side as entertainment.
My initial thoughts were… wow, that’s awesome… but I didn’t realise there were any teams up here. Years later I started working in Dundee and heard about DRD through a colleague. I wouldn’t usually be brave enough to try something new by myself, but I wasn’t missing this opportunity so went along to one of the taster sessions!
Favourite thing about derby since you started?
It constantly pushes me to go out of my comfort zone. I started not knowing anyone (which is massive for me), I’ve made amazing friendships and built on my skills constantly. I don’t know what I did with my time before roller derby – couldn’t live without it now!
What is your job? I work for a Drug & Alcohol charity – supporting young people who have been removed from their parents care due to difficulties with addictions. I also run a group for the carers and work closely with the families as a whole. It's rewarding and challenging at the same time... so getting the skates on definitely helps to de-stress!
What do you do to relax? I love being outdoors - so try and get out and about as much as I can. Whether it’s just going out for walks or finding some new random place to adventure to with pals. But I also sometimes like to just chill at home, watching a crime documentary or Ru Paul.
Any advice for people thinking about getting involved with derby?
No matter how much/little experience you have on skates… you don’t know how it will go until you’ve tried it! I went along to the taster session, having never skated before in my life… and I picked it up relatively quickly. It’s so much fun and I’ve made some of my closest friendships through roller derby… it’s definitely worth giving a go!
What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your derby time?
Overcoming my own personal barriers and building confidence. I tend to focus a lot on the skills I’m not so good at, rather than giving myself credit for how much progress I’ve actually made!
Motivation quote?
‘A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.’
What position do you skate in?
I’m usually a defensive blocker and prefer to skate in the brace position. I’m all about communication ... so find I’m best placed as brace as it means I can keep myself right as well as guiding my teamies with regards to where the jammer is.
If you could have any job in the world what would it be?
I would love to work with gorillas. I don’t know what it is about them, but whenever I see one in real life … I cry.
Tell us an interesting fact about you! I talk in my sleep pretty much every night. Don’t know if that’s interesting or creepy… but I’ve been known to make up my own songs about shoes and dragons. What’s your favourite band?
I go through phases of who I listen to the most – but I’d have to say State Champs. They’re a pop punk band… I’ve been to see them live a few times now and I just love them!
Who do you pick for next month’s DRD Spotlight and why?
I choose Wheely Wonka. She’s just recently transferred to our league and I think will be a great addition to the team... looking forward to being on track with her this season!
