Junior Roller Derby Association

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May 2013, Skater of the Month

Derby Name:
Puddlez O’Blood
Number: 42
League Name:
The Chicago Riots

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I really love to write… That and Roller Derby just might be the most significant parts of my life.

What is your favorite position to play?
Jamming, definitely, but I do enjoy the other positions immensely.

What kind of skates and wheels do you skate with?
Riedells. I use the wheels the skates came with, radars.

What do you think about when you’re lacing up your skates?
It depends, often I think about about hurrying up to get skating ASAP, frequently it’s about the plot of whatever I’m writing.

What is your favorite derby moment?
The first time I was whipped during a scrimmage. It feels like flying and I love it. Being that it was my first time experiencing such a sensation, it was a big moment for me.

At what age and how did you get involved with roller derby?
The first time I ever saw a bout was when I was ten –almost eleven- years old. I’ll admit, at first I didn’t understand it much, but my best friend was absolutely smitten with it. Because of that, I gained an interest that I otherwise wouldn’t have had. Over the years, she followed avidly, and I listened to her rants, gradually becoming smitten myself. A year ago, when The Chicago Riots started taking on skaters, joining was the natural response for us. I was fourteen at the time. I quickly discovered that it was the only sport that I enjoyed both watching and playing.

How did you learn to play roller derby?
Shutting up and listening to the coaches, paying close attention to the penalties I got, watching derby in person and online whenever possible (though not as much as I probably could, admittedly), taking practice rules tests, and skating as much as possible.

Any advice for juniors who want to join roller derby?
Don’t think too much, you’ll only scare yourself. Just join and work hard- you will have fun!

How did you choose your derby name?
My best friend had been calling me Puddlez for about a year, and I was blanking on what my derby name should be. I figured I should play with Puddlez, as I was already used to being called that. I almost went with Catastrophic Calliope…. Personally, I’m glad I went with Puddlez O’Blood.

Who are your derby heroes?
Honestly, I don’t really have a derby hero, it’s like how I don’t have a favorite musical genre or a favorite author. I just enjoy seeing everyone’s strengths. Watching and admiring many different styles helps me identify my own shortcomings and how to improve them.

What other sports have you played?
I took Karate for about five years before quitting that to join my school’s cross country team four two years. I wasn’t very good at either of them, but did have a lot of fun with both.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Absolutely everyone!!! My mom, for signing waivers, paying dues, and buying my beloved skates, dad for taking the two hour train commute with me when I’m staying with him, all my wonderful coaches who are so patient and so willing to teach, and, of course, my dear friend Raven, aka MissFit, for introducing me to Roller Derby in the first place!!! Skate on, MissFit!!!