Our featured Roller Warrior for the month of April is Damsel of D’Tension!

Name: Damsel of D'Tension
Team: Black Eye Susans
Number: 44
Position(s): Blocker
Seasons with KCRW: 6

How she discovered KCRW:
“I was fortunate enough to be invited to a bout with a friend who was working for Big Brothers Big Sisters. One of the skaters was a “Big,” and had told him what a great time roller derby was. On Halloween we costumed up and made the trek out to Winnwood Skate Center to check it out for ourselves. Needless to say, we had a blast! I was intrigued immediately and thought it looked like such a fun group to be a part of… until I ran into Dirty Britches and my intrigue immediately turned to intimidation. However, I didn’t let that stop me! I remained a fan for about a year until I decided to bite the bullet and try out. The rest, as they say, is history.”

Origin of her derby name:
“I am a teacher, so I wanted something that tied into my profession. After much brainstorming and database checking, I finally found a name that wasn’t taken. I guess that a teacher by day/derby girl by night wasn’t as obscure as I thought it was.”

Past injuries:
“Aside from pulled muscles, random aches, and some bruising, I have been very fortunate to not have had any major injuries. I only hope my luck stays that way!”

Favorite skater:
“I just cannot answer that! I have learned so much from so many people. KCRW has countless numbers of great coaches, teachers, and leaders. I think that I have taken something away from every person in this league that I have skated with or against.”

Proudest derby moment:
“My proudest derby moment was in 2011, when the Black Eye Susans took 3rd place in the Rink of Fire. We were the perpetual 4th place team and just couldn’t seem to shake it. We always fought hard and left it all on the track…. but it never paid off. That year, I guess something clicked. I honestly don’t really remember the game, but remember the feeling of accomplishment afterwards. Since then, we have moved in the rankings every year. I am hoping we stay on trend with that for 2013!”

What sets her apart in KCRW:
“I always have a tube of Carmex in my bra. I can’t skate without it. Everyone knows that if they need some Boobmex, I’m their girl!”

Our featured Roller Warrior for the month of September is Plan B standout Cold Gin!

Name: Cold Gin
Team: The Victory Vixens, Plan B
Number: 13
Position(s): Blocker, Jammer

How she discovered KCRW:
“I discovered derby through my daughter Dirty Heri of the Dreadnought Dorothys. She had seen a bout at the age of 15, fell in love with the sport, and decided to try out once she turned 18. She couldn’t convince a friend to try out with her so we tried out together. We were both drafted in the first round, so we went to opposing home teams.”

Origin of her derby name:
“My derby name comes from the KISS song.”

Favorite derby moment:
“I have to say one of my favorite derby moments would have to be when I was blocking against my daughter in our home opener this year. I had taken her out and the announcer said to the crowd that Dirty Heri had just been taken out by her MOM! I think the crowd enjoyed it as much as I did. ”

Favorite skater:
“I must say that it is hard to pick just one favorite skater. I love Red Ripper. She is our last remaining original skater and deserves props for playing eight seasons. This sport can be hard on the body. She is always the first to help and share her knowledge with anyone willing to listen. My other favorite skater is Evolution. She is a beast! Lou will show you how much she loves you by how hard she hits you. Tough love is her motto, and not to mention she makes the world’s best sangrias.”

Derby philosophy:
“Work hard and play harder.”