The Skating Game

Why roller derby?

I’ve skated all my life. As I grew older, I started rollerblading for exercise. I’d take my skates into V-town on Main Street, and the owner would try to get me to join the Bradenton derby team. I’d say, “I don’t think so; I’m in banking.” Then last spring, Sarasota started a team. I went to my first practice and I loved it. It’s a great, supportive group of women. My biggest benefit is that I’ve always had a curvier figure, so I can use my hips and my butt to check people. It’s so empowering, a sport that embraces my shape and the way I’ve been built.

Skate name and number? Lady Bomb, 619. It’s from the nickname my nine-year-old son calls me, Lady Bug. And I’m from San Diego, so 619 was my area code.

Training routine? We have practices twice a week for two hours, plus one extra practice that’s optional, and an hour of yoga before practice. We burn about 1,000 calories an hour.

Physical benefits? I’m 37, and I’m stronger than I’ve ever been in my life. Most skaters say their butts get bigger; my thighs are probably three inches bigger than they were, but they’re solid. I’ve busted out of all my pants. Anything I do now is so easy compared to a practice or a game: getting something in and out of your car, yard work—nothing is hard.

Mental benefits? I’m in mortgages; this is all I’ve ever done since I was 21. With roller derby, you can get angry, yell at the top of your lungs, hit somebody and have them tell you, “Good job.” I feel I’m better as a parent, as an employee. I don’t get as frustrated as easily. I have an outlet.

How can people get started? Go to sarasotarollergirls.com. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday at Stardust Event Center at 8:30 p.m. Come and check it out. We also have a very big game coming up Aug. 7 against Bradenton at Stardust. [Game starts at 7:30 p.m.]