DRD Spotlight - G.Wrecks

SKATE NAME: G.Wrecks | NUMBER: 713 | SKATING SINCE: 2015

What position do you skate in? I'm generally a defensive blocker and constant chatterer! As we come back into derby, I'm looking to not pigeon hole my skills as much as I used to. Anyone can block/jam/offend if they put the work in during training!! Because I focused so hard on defensive blocking - I got very overwhelmed by jamming and being a dedicated offence, but looking at my mental game and how I approach changes (EWW CHANGES) is gonna help me expand my skillset!

What position do ref in? I've reffed in a few positions in scrims, but in games I have exclusively been OPR! Looking into our future scrims return - it;s going to be so incredibly vital to get to grips with the nuances of derby rules again! Casual reffing will definitely be in the cards alongside my competitive derby!

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

Well we are living it right now I think... The Return To Play planning, to be in line with WFTDA, local guidance and the specific wants and needs of our league members has been a huge challenge for us on the training committee! It's obviously such a unique situation so none of us were prepared, but together we are getting there!! I write this on the day that my pod is returning for the first time to the DISC!! VERY EXCITED!!

Three words to describe derby to you?

Competitive, Athletic, Braw

What is your favourite NSO or support role?

Rather enjoyed announcing our home team games last (last) year, a bit of fun on the mic chatting about folk I'm so incredibly proud of was just a treat! What is your role in DRD? I actually have quite a few hats for DRD... Which will probably seem like an understatement to those that deal with my constant emails, messages, comments and infographs! I am head of PR & IT, which is the small but awesome team that run our public faces, from social media, press and branding to game programmes and content! I am also one half of the Chairperson duo, with the incredible Jules, looking at the overall direction of the league. As support roles, I am one of the two WFTDA reps we have, a member of the training committee and a coach! In our most recent seasons I've also been captain of the Tayzers! Which is probably why I've still been having derby admin days even during this pandemic!!

Post-pandemic, what are you most looking forward to with getting back to training?

We've all found it really difficult being away from derby and skating, I never thought something I'd miss most is being challenged! Having goals in front of me in sport and putting myself out of my comfort zone is something that's been hard to come by the past year! Problem solving by helping others in coaching and figuring out new strategies etc are just small parts of the overall package of roller derby, but defo the parts I'm looking forward to jumping back into!

Do you have any pets?

We have a Void™ at home. Sokar the extra large kitteh/banshee, came to live with us recently! He has many many opinions and enjoys shouting them at the top of his lungs, especially his ideas about the availability of treats... Who do you choose for next month's DRD spotlight and why? I'd like to choose Jill Antonic for next months League Spotlight. A corner stone of Scottish roller derby, Jill has always been a part of my derby training so I'd like to hear more about hers!