DRD Spotlight - Angrea

SKATE NAME: Angrea |NUMBER: 247 |SKATING SINCE: 2016 (about 4 years on skates, a year and a half mins passed)

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

My biggest challenge was getting my 27 laps in 5 mins. Every time I started it I would get half way and start kicking myself for not doing good enough and then I would start giving up. I had a total mental block that was stopping me from pushing and nailing those laps. I think overcoming that difficulty was one of my greatest achievements and I’m very thankful for everyone that pushed me to get my laps and I would not have been able to do it without their help!

What position do you skate in?

I am a blocker but I like to be in the wall and playing offence. Offence is one of my favourite positions to play in as you do a bit of everything as you can fill into the wall when needed or help catch jammers who slip through the wall!

How does derby impact the rest of your life?

Derby gives me a reason to try and get fit and stay fit, I’m a goal oriented person so I need something to aim for, and it always makes me want to improve and get better. I also have found some of the best friends through derby, which is amazing!

Any other hobbies outwith roller derby?

I like to do crafty things - I sew, paint and dabble in a hundred different things! It’s kept me going through the pandemic!

What is your job?

I am a Systems Test Engineer for a telecommunications test company, I test a product that is used to test operators networks and equipment. I have a degree in Electronic Engineering so I find some of the new technology that we are developing very interesting!

What snack do you always hope to find in the bake sale?

Jill's caramel shortbread - it’s amazing, but you have to be quick as it is usually the first thing to sell out!!

Most embarrassing moment in derby?

Mid game when my sports bra decided to pop open at the front, the first time we were live streaming the game online too! Easy fix but I had to go hide in the corner for a few minutes!!

Do you have any pets?

I have a cat called Taco who is 10. We adopted her from the Cats Protection about 4 years ago. She’s a total sweetheart but likes to interrupt work video calls when she wants in from outside by sitting on the windowsill and tapping at the window to get in.

What’s your favourite band?

I am in love with Enter Shikari and IDLES at the moment, I love a band that has a social political commentary and addresses things I’m angry about and can sing and dance along to!

Favourite tv program atm?

I’ve been rewatching New Girl as it’s one of the shows you can just sit and chill and enjoy! Also been working our way through Star Trek Discovery but it’s one of those shows where me and my partner need to be in the mood and there to watch at the same time so we are making our way through it a bit slower, which is nice!

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

I choose Illuminasti (Claire) who has managed to do so much during a pandemic, including moving back to Dundee! She always makes me want to push at derby and always improve! Can’t wait till we are all back on skates again, and back to full strength after the pandemic!