DRD Spotlight - Hubs

SKATE NAME: Hubs | NUMBER: 88 | SKATING SINCE: 2012

Three words that describe derby to you?

Community, Fitness and Stress-Reducing

What position do you skate in?

I was once described by a commentator as “a triple threat” (been cheezing ever since) - Blocker, Pivot and secondary Jam rotation…but predominantly Pivot.

Do you have any bench/Line up experience?

I started my Tayzer career as a line up before I made the team to skate. Jules being 7 months pregnant needed a stand in - I loved the team spirit and just being involved. I’ve also done Line up for the Bonnie Colliders and we, as Tayzers, tend to line up ourselves these days which works well for us.

Motivational quote?

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” Corrie Ten Boom

Most embarrassing moment in derby?

I can’t believe I am writing this…when we travelled to Copenhagen to play we were on our way to the venue when I was distracted on the street and walked straight into a lamppost (it was a Tom and Jerry moment!) needless to say, I got very little sympathy and am convinced I skated with slight concussion that day.

How does derby impact the rest of your life?

It is only when these things are removed we realise how much we miss them. Since this pandemic hit and not being able to skate 2-3 times a week I have realised everything I miss about it; fitness, friendship, socialising, skills on and off skates, the stress release after a busy week etc. For me it is my sport and my hobby, my life doesn’t revolve around it, but I am missing it immensely since March.

Do you have any tattoos?

I have a love heart, cross and anchor intertwined on my forearm. I am a Christian and it represents one of my favourite verses from the bible “these 3 remain, faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.”

Where is your favourite place in the world?

Teen Ranch Scotland – a Christian Youth Activity Centre between Perth and Dundee. I went as a child, loved it (horse riding, canoeing, archery etc), made lifelong friendships and continue to support it as and when I can. My heart feels at home when I am there.

What was your favourite subject at school?

I always loved maths at school, and now as a primary teacher it is one of my favourite subjects to teach.

Do you have a nickname?

I used to be called Chubby Hubby in school and I suppose that and my surname is where my skate name - Hubs - came from. My friends kids have nicknames for me too – Kaka and Kaki.

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

I choose Crown Jules as next month’s DRD spotlight. She is the DRD mother figure and Agony Aunt. She got me into the sport, has supported me every day since and has shown commitment and dedication to DRD as one of the longest serving members, and currently our co-chair. She missed out on her 10 year anniversary scrim in March…but my shiny pink leggings are waiting for the postponed date!