DRD Spotlight - X-Jen

Skate name: X-Jen | Number: 87 | Started skating: 2019

How did you hear about roller derby and the DRD?

I knew of roller derby but didn’t know about it being in Dundee or about the DRD. Some uni friends had heard about the taster sessions and I thought it sounded fun so I tagged along with them and I’ve loved every minute of it.

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

Apart from trying to use my legs 2 days after a hard skating session I think my biggest skating challenge is probably self confidence and having a fear of moving to advanced classes.

How does derby impact the rest of your life?

Derby came at a really good time for me and gave me something to look forward to each week. I’ve made such good friends since joining and keep making more all the time. It’s such a brilliant down time from life. My mental health has benefited greatly since I’ve joined derby.

Describe derby in 3 words.

Fun, sore and confusing. (But mostly fun)

If you could have any job in the world what would it be?

If nursing doesn’t work for me then I’m gonna pack up shop and head for Alaska to become a captain of a gold dredger. It’s pretty much just hoovering the seabed for gold ...and I’m fairly sure they have Roller Derby in Alaska so it’ll be all good!

Any advice for people thinking about getting involved with derby?

Do it! Do it now! You won’t regret it. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming. The taster sessions are really laid back. What have you got to lose, just give it a try.

What’s your favourite derby memory?

My favourite skating memory is probably that time at training when we got ruby a birthday cake and Tash dropped it. Cakes on wheels, what could possibly go wrong?

Do you have any tattoos?

Yes. I have a trippy space toad (him from mario not the amphibian) on my leg. I hadn’t really planned on getting it but I got a phone call from granny, who was in her late 70’s at the time, asking if I could book her an appointment for her to get a tattoo and then decided she would like company so both her granddaughters went too. It was a fantastic day out, great fun had by all.

Do you have any pets?

I have 3 doggies - Pippa, Dylis and Hector; 3 cats - Cully, Randal and Barnaby, and some fish. I think I’d be completely lost without all my animals, except for Barnaby he’s just pure evil, possibly a direct descendant of the devil himself. (And in the summer I claim to have toads as they all come and breed in the garden)

Any other hobbies out with roller derby?

I don’t have much time for hobbies but I do like to head out on long walks with the dogs and hoping to get some camping done when it gets a bit warmer. I have recently tried my hand at wood turning on a lathe. Only took about 2 months to make a bowl but I’m sure with a bit of practise I’ll get quicker.

What’s your favourite band?

I don’t really have one band that I love above all other but right now I’m really into Hercules and the Love Affair. Their first album is my favourite and features Anthony from Anthony and the Johnsons on quite a few tracks and he had the most amazing voice. If you’ve not heard them before then I highly recommend.

Where’s your favourite place in the world?

Inch Cailloch, hands down. It’s a wee island that I came across last year, at Loch Lomond. There’s a small hill and the views from the top are breath taking. I think I might have actually said “this is my new favourite place ever”. Will defiantly be going back this year.

Who do you nominate for next month's league spotlight, and why?

I'd like to nominate Bev, because we both started at the time and she’s really good at NSOing as well as skating so I’d be interesting to see her take on derby.