DRD Spotlight - Jammstein

Skate name: Jammstein | Number: 49 | Started skating: 2016

How did you hear about Roller Derby and the DRD?

My friend down in England heard about Roller Derby and took me along to a practise session she had found. I loved every minute of it and researched my nearest club on returning, found the DRD and that a new intake was about to start, went along and joined up and started my Roller Derby journey.

What's the biggest challenge you've faced in your derby time?

My biggest challenge has been coming back to derby after getting injured. During a jam, I fell awkwardly and broke and dislocated my ankle. Several months recovery followed and I was unsure if I would get back on skates. I eventually did, after buying myself new skates and then proceeded to try to work my way back to a similar level of where I was before. It has not been easy, both physically and mentally, and I have recognised my limitations now but it has not stopped me going back and skating and enjoying derby.

Any other hobbies outwith roller derby?

I enjoy gaming, both computer and board games and regularly meet up with friends either online to play Fortnite together (I am beginning to not be as awful!) or in person to play games. We are currently in the middle of a D&D campaign where I am playing a small gnome barbarian with a giant two handed axe. It's great fun.

Any advice for people thinking about getting involved with derby?

Be prepared that it will take over much of your life when you get fully immersed in all aspects of this wonderful sport. You will fall on your bum, but you pick yourself right back up again and carry on trying to nail that move and you will get there. Plus you get to meet lots of awesome people who are there with you on your journey.

What's your favourite derby memory?

It would probably have to be when I took part in home teams a couple of years ago and played for the Jutes of Hazzard We ended up down to 4 players on track in our last game due to foul outs and we still managed to come back and win overall. It was fantastic playing with all of the team and against other members in the league with everyone coming together, players, refs and NSO's. Would definitely recommend home teams for newer skaters as it is so much fun!

What position do ref in?

My ref position of choice would have to be jam reffing. It is a great position to start with as most of your concentration is just on your jammer, but of course if you notice other penalties you do call them too. It also allows you to pick up things from one starting point and you soon pick up everything the pack and other refs around you are doing and greatly broadens your understanding of derby.

Do you have a nickname?

I do. It is Mez, short for Merry, short for Meriadoc Brandybuck .When the Lord of the Rings films came out whilst I was at school, my friends and I decided to name each other after the characters based on who we were most like. I got Merry and although it has been shortened to Mez, continues to be what my school friends call me. It has even got to one of them being asked if they had a friend called Sophie and she has said no!!

What’s your favourite animal?

Sheep, followed closely by giraffes and manatees. Not sure why I decided to like sheep, but they have been my favourite animal for a long time now and I have collected a lot of different sheep themed items over the years including my giant cuddly toy sheep called Boris.

Three words to describe derby to you?

Fast, fun and freeing.

What was your favourite subject at school?

History, which I then went on to study at university and continues to be a great passion of mine. It is a broad subject, but I especially focus on medieval history which I find most interesting. More modern stuff I know less about, but if it is to do with castles, ask away.

Do you have any pets?

Yes! I have a rescue cat called Luna who is very much a part of the family now and is a very talkative kitty. We got her whilst I was recovering from my injury and as much as we rescued her, she rescued me and helped my recovery no end and continues to brighten up my day and cheer me up.

What is your ice cream flavour of choice?

Bubblegum! Which is not always the easiest to find but when you do, it is amazing and I always make sure to buy some.

Who do you choose for next month's DRD spotlight and why?

I am going to choose Michelle, aka Redhead Redemption, who always comes to practice with a big smile and can cheer you up if you are feeling a bit down. From starting fresh into turning into the awesome skater they are now, am sure their derby journey will continue to shine.