Photo by Joe Medolo

If you had to sum up roller derby in 3 words, what would they be?

Fun, Friends, Happiness

How did you find roller derby? What inspired you to want to play derby?

I stumbled across roller derby around the time when that “Whip It” movie came out. I hadn’t seen the movie, but I thought it was fun to come up with derby names all the time. One day I thought “I wonder if Boston has a roller derby team?” Then, I Googled it and found that indeed there WAS roller derby and that they had tryouts in 2 weeks. I went out and bought a cheap pair of skates and tried to practice a little before tryouts. I had no idea what I was getting into at all. No idea.

Where did your derby name come from? /How did you come up with your derby name?

It was really difficult coming up with a good derby name. All the ones that I thought of that I thought were awesome were already taken, as well as many variations of them. To be honest, my non-derby friend (yes, I still have a few of those!), Emily, came up with Dixie Kicks! We had been brainstorming for a few days trying to think of something that would tie in the South, since I’m from North Carolina. One of the ones that she came up with was Dixie Kicks and it ended up being the best on the list and wasn’t actually taken yet!

What teams did/do you play for?

I played for the Wicked Pissahs and the Massacre. I recently moved back to North Carolina and will be joining the Blue Ridge Rollergirls.

You made a big move this month.  What will you miss most about Boston and what are you most excited about with the Blue Ridge Rollergirls?

I will miss my teammates the most. BDD was my family and many of my friends were in walking distance of my apartment. I am forever grateful for all of the fun, wonderful, talented, amazing people that I met. I miss everyone already. SO MUCH. I’m looking forward to making more fun, awesome friends in Blue Ridge and continuing to gain more knowledge and experience from the new people that I meet. I’m also looking forward to having lots and lots of fun!

I have never seen you fall from a hit!  You are such a solid skater.  What do you do off skates on your own outside of derby?

Well, that is flattering, thank you! I try to go running on my own time and I do different workouts like Spartacus. I enjoy doing anything outdoors and would love to get back into yoga, if my schedule permits. I grew up riding horses and working at a barn, so I think I still have kind of a horseback riding stance when I’m on my skates. I guess that’s a good thing?

What do you think Boston needs to do to be successful going into Playoffs this fall?

We just need to go in hungry and ready to fight and believe in each other–like we usually do. It is important to have the right mindset going into a game, and I think we are ready to tackle down the competition and do our best.

This question is asked a lot in derby interviews but it’s a fun one: Do you have any pre-bout rituals?

I actually don’t have a lot of rituals anymore. I try to stay level headed and make sure that I don’t get nervous or worked up about a big game. I love to cook, so I can easily distract myself by making a giant breakfast/lunch and then watching something mindless on Netflix. I usually eat a whole lot of kale and make sure I have time to sit and relax for a while. Then my boyfriend, Centaur Of Attention, and I will play some music and pack up everything and head to the bout. When we’re on the road, I try to have some quiet time in the hotel and make sure that I have plenty of food for the day and that I know exactly what our schedule is so I won’t have to worry about anything. I like being prepared.

Everyone on the league talks about how positive and enthusiastic you are.  How do you maintain that positivity?

Well, the truth is that I’m just a big goof. I love having fun and I try to take things lightly and mostly just laugh at myself if things don’t go my way, because what’s the use in getting mad? I have a very “dust yourself off and get back on the horse” attitude toward derby. I’m not always going to do the right thing and I might mess some stuff up, but that’s why we practice. I just try to laugh it off and remind myself that roller derby is something that we do for fun. We are all there because we want to be. I really like fun, so I try to have it as often as possible. I love the competitiveness of roller derby, but I always make sure that even when I am in “super-serious mode”, I’m still having fun.

Photo by David Andrew Morris

How do you feel in the middle of a jam?

When I’m on the track in a bout, I am very in the “zone.” I can get pretty riled up and just want to hit everyone that isn’t my teammate. I feel pretty great and ready to implement all of the strategies that we have been practicing. The worst is when someone gets lead jammer and calls it off right away. I’m always like “Aw, I was just starting to have fun!” Haha!

What is your favorite thing about derby?

There are so many things about roller derby that I love. I think the friendships are the most important, though. I’ve met some amazing people through this sport and have gotten to travel a lot with all of these awesome girls. I’m so happy that there is this thing out there that brings strong, awesome women together as friends.

If you could go back in time and talk to your newbie self, what advice would you give her?

I had very heavy plates on my first skates. I don’t even know how I skated in them for 2 years! I just didn’t know any better. I would tell myself to get lighter plates right away and skates that actually fit well! Honestly, I think that’s about it. I think that I progressed at the only pace that I could have, no matter what the factors were. I learned so much along the way that I wouldn’t change a thing–other than those blasted first skates! Haha!

How did you get involved with roller derby?

It was college.  It was late at night.  I was watching “Insomniac with Dave Attell.”  Season 4, Episode 6.  The titular host (heehee, I said “titular”) visited the Texas Roller Girls and although I was the most un-athletic person in the world, I was immediately drawn to this amazing sport.  I had to play.  Because derby was rather unknown at the time it took me several years before I found a league to join, but I always kept my eyes on the prize and knew in my heart that I was a roller girl, waiting to find a home.

How long have you been skating?

Derby since 2007.  Ice skating since I was an awkward 5-year-old tomboy.

How did you get involved with BDD?

The first time I ever got to see roller derby live it was a BDD bout.  That was back in early 2007.  It was actually the bout that made me a fan of the Wicked Pissahs and it was a pretty incredible feeling getting drafted to that team last year.  I didn’t actually get involved with BDD until last year though, upon my return to Boston from Helsinki.  I came in as a transfer skater, SO excited to finally join the league that I’d been admiring for a number of years.

What’s the story behind your derby name and number?

Most people who know me know that I’m a hardcore feminist and I wanted to play on that when I chose my name.  My number relates to my old life.  I used to be a video editor and 29.97 fps is the frame-rate of American video.  It’s totally nerdy, I know.

What teams do you currently play for?

Wicked Pissahs, B Party, Team Finland

What was it like playing for Team Finland in the Roller Derby World Cup?  Are you looking forward to competing with them again soon?

The World Cup was an all-around unbelievable experience.  We went with the goal of surprising the world and showing them that Finland is serious about derby, and we absolutely achieved that goal.  Seeing sincere, committed roller derby representatives from so many countries, all under the same roof, was both amazing and validating at the same time, and I just can’t wait for the next World Cup where I’m sure the number of teams will double.  I’ve also been truly amazed at how far derby has come in Finland since the last World Cup.  I’ve only been able to watch it from a distance now that I’m in the U.S. but you’ll be surprised to hear that there are no less than FIFTEEN leagues in Finland now, and this year marked the first time ever that they are running a legitimate Finnish roller derby tournament.  Helsinki Roller Derby (my old league) is still the top competitor in the country, and the only WFTDA league in Finland, but if all of this is achievable in less than 4 years, I can’t even begin to fathom what the next 4 years will bring.  I am so proud of those hard working ladies and gents!

What do you like to do on the track?

I like all of the positions but I’ve always excelled at blocking much more than jamming so I usually play as a blocker or Pivot.  One of my teammates recently told me I had a frightening butt and that made me feel pretty good.

Do you do any training off the track to stay in top derby form?

When I have the time and money I really like boxing, kickboxing, and muay thai for cross training; there are a lot of elements in their training that are great for derby.  Besides that I try to bike as much as possible.

In addition to your hard work on the track, what things do you do for the league off skates?

I have the great privilege and responsibility of training our new skaters!  I *love* this job and I take it very seriously.  I have a great deal of experience with new skaters and training newcomers to the sport because the two leagues that I’ve been a member in prior to BDD were both brand new.  Hell, when I trained skaters in Helsinki the sport was brand new to the entire country, so yea, that came with some serious responsibility and a steep learning curve.  I’ve been able to take these experiences and really use them for good.

How did you get started coaching the incoming new skaters?

I was kind of roped in by Mrs. Dash.  I think she knew I had a soft spot for newbies.

 What is your favorite thing about derby?

I don’t think that I can pinpoint ONE favorite thing, because there are so many things I love about it.  For instance, I love the athleticism it has permitted me to develop — I really was a couch potato for so long!  I love the look in the new skaters’ faces when they master a new skill.  I love the tremendous sense of community and how I can go to pretty much any city in the world and feel like I have friends there.  I love that my husband and I have a shared hobby that has brought us closer both through joy and through challenges.  I JUST LOVE ROLLER DERBY SO MUCH!

 Who are your derby heroes?

Dee Stortion, Smarty Pants, Ivana Shankabitch

What was your favorite moment from last year?

My first scrimmage back after a really long injury leave.  It was downright amazing to play again after many months of hiatus!

 What are your goals for the coming season?

Because I was out for most of last season, my goals this season are to get back to being good enough to play on a national team again.  I want to DESERVE a spot on Team Finland.  And when I got to play my first bout at the Shriner’s with the B Party earlier this year, it was pretty much the greatest moment of my life.  I had only been waiting for that since 2007.  Wow.  Goal achieved.

How has derby changed your life?

How has it not?  Derby is completely interwoven with all other aspects of my life now, it actually defines me.  I eat, sleep, breathe roller derby and it is 100% impossible for me to imagine my life without it.  Every time someone I know retires I am confused because I just don’t know how I could possibly do that.  It’s like a drug, and I’m completely addicted.  This probably doesn’t sound healthy so I should mention that after more than 5 years of doing it I’ve been able to find a good balance between life and derby, and the sport brings tremendous joy to my life.  I wouldn’t trade it for the world, not even the most difficult experiences that I’ve had.

What’s it like being married to a referee?

All derby All the time.  It might sound really awesome, but sometimes it is actually really challenging.  We have gone through so much together, and a great deal of it has happened because of roller derby.  I guess I would say it is both a blessing and a curse.  And you know, this might sound weird, but I kind of love it when he gets to send me out on a major penalty.  I generally play a relatively clean game, and with seven refs out on the track, he doesn’t get to do it often, but when I see that mustache form the words “Blue, 2997” and blow the whistle, it kinda tickles me.

 What do you do when you’re not playing roller derby?

“…not playing roller derby?”  I do not comprehend this question…  What is this “life” I keep hearing of?  Do people actually have LIVES outside of derby?

What advice do you have for aspiring rollergirls (and boys)?

Keep your eyes on the prize.  With hard work you WILL get there.  Goals are achievable.

Whether it’s captaining the Nutcrackers, skating hard with both the B Party and the Massacre, or working hard behind the scenes, Belle Air Bomber really knows how to bring the intensity on and off the track. Belle joined the Boston Derby Dames three years ago and has risen through the ranks to become a fearsome travel team skater and the 2013 co-captain of the Nutcrackers. She’s also spent the last year as the head of BDD’s PR committee, bringing new attention to the league. Her love of her teams, her family, and her car come through in everything she does. Guinofear recently sat down with Belle and asked her what it’s like to be a Super-Mom who really knows how to shut down a scoring pass.

So, what’s the story behind your derby name and number?  

I own a 1957 Chevy Bel Air station wagon.

Pardon the somewhat rude question, but how old are you?

I’m probably the oldest BDD skater in history. ‘Nuff said.

How long have you been skating?

This is my third season for Boston Derby Dames. When I first decided I wanted to play roller derby, I could barely skate without holding onto the wall!

How did you get involved with BDD?

I tried out in a group of over 60 girls. After three months, only 11 were chosen. It was the hardest, most thrilling experience of my life.

What teams do you currently play for? 

Nutcrackers, B Party, Massacre

This year you got teamed to the Massacre.  What does that feel like?

Words cannot describe how it feels to accomplish a goal you’ve reached for at this level. All the work I’ve put in—on and off skates plus the sacrifices I have made—all helped make this goal possible.

What was your favorite moment from last year? 

Last year, the Nutcrackers really worked hard to become a unified team. Through the guidance of our captains, we put in more work and sweat equity than ever. During a game against the Cosmos, we felt so united on the track and in sync with our playing that it was like magic. I didn’t even look at the score—it felt so good I didn’t care if we won or not. Our win was in the way we were playing. That sort of teamwork is almost like skating to nirvana.

What do you like to do on the track?

As a strong blocker, I’m truly a team player who likes to work in unison with her teammates on the track. You can count on me to be there when you need me, from recycling, partner blocking, your stability or that push you might need.

Do you do any training off the track to stay in top derby form?

I attend CrossFit EXP three times a week, and run 2-3 times a week.

In addition to your hard work on the track, what things do you do for the league off skates?

I am also PR Chair for BDD.

What is your favorite thing about derby?

Being part of a team, where every single skater is involved in our success or failure is a pretty powerful experience. Working hard as a unit, striving for a goal together—it really is a unique experience of camaraderie and teamwork.

Do you have any derby heroes?

So, so many. On our own league, Lil’ Paine, Shark Week, Beeps and Kicks are my daily inspirations.

What are your goals for the coming season?

Work harder. Unite the Nutcrackers into a fun loving bad ass group of girls with my co captain Joules. Learn from the Massacre vets and improve my overall game by 10,000.

How has derby changed your life?

I’ve never played a sport or been athletic before this, so my determination to play this sport means I have had to work harder at this than anything in my entire existence. I may not be an all-star, but I’ve worked damn hard to get as far as I have, and even though I know I still have plenty of room to grow, I often look at how far I’ve come and amaze myself!

What do you do when you’re not playing roller derby?

I’m a mom of four kids, so really all I have time to do is family, work and derby. My social life has ground to a halt—but I do have friends visit our little old house 50 minutes outside of Boston whenever I can. I have two alpaca, one goat and four chickens—so we’re a funny menagerie, for sure.

So, you’re basically super-mom.  Can you tell us a little bit about your family? 

I’m not a super mom! I’m pretty lame because 3-4 times a week I’m leaving them to selfishly play roller derby. BUT I try really, really, really hard to make it up to them whenever I can. When my youngest, who is 7, gets sad when I leave for practice, I hug her and say “I love you more than roller derby.” Knowing how obsessed their mom is with the sport, I’m hoping that means volumes.  My poor husband is a derby widow, but without his constant support I would NEVER be able to do this.

Do you have any advice for aspiring rollergirls?

My advice is more of a warning: Roller Derby is a way of life. Sounds dramatic, but for me it is true. In order to improve and reach a level where you are having fun while being a valuable team player – you have to work hard. And by that I mean 110% at practice. Sacrificing family time and social life. Spending the money for gas and good equipment. Volunteering for your league to help advance everyone’s success. Visualizing before a game. Cross training as much as possible. Eating like an athlete and taking care of yourself. It consumes you – but as long as this sport brings you joy and happiness – it is worth every sweaty minute.

Ladies love Elle L. Cool Jam! Is it the abs? Is it the Kangol bucket hat? Is it her smooth style, her fresh talent, and her lyrical skills on the track? Yes, yes, and duh, yes! All of these things! Elle joined the Boston Derby Dames in the 2012 season as a Cosmo, and quickly gained attention for being a speedy and agile jammer, as well as a wonderful teammate. This season, she joined the travel team roster as a blocking and jamming double-threat on the Boston B Party, and is also lending her hand in coaching BDD’s Training and Recreation Team. Artoo Detoonate recently sat down with Elle and asked her what it’s like to be a 90s surfer babe who paints mind-blowing nail art with all the colors of the wind. So get ready to learn the secrets, and to forget all about your kittens and puppies… because Elle is now the most adorable thing on the internet.

What’s the story behind your derby name and number? Who doesn’t love old school hip-hop? I had just watched a VH1 special on LL Cool J and I couldn’t help myself. My number is a much longer, ridiculous story. I met Dr. Cool Jam in high school and we used to pass notes professing our love for each other. This was back in the day of pagers (remember those??). I’m not going to get too into it but it’s a variation of the code 143. Extra points if you know what that used to mean!!

How did you become involved with BDD? My friends (the Ahns!) brought me to a BDD bout in 2010 and I couldn’t help myself. I literally fell in love with the sport. The excitement, the strategy and the culture of roller derby had me swooning at my first bout.

You were not only rookie of the year for the Cosmonaughties in 2012, but you were also the rookie of the year for the entire league! Why was this past year so awesome for you and roller derby? Ahhh thank you!! I still can’t really believe it! When I tried out for BDD in 2012, I made a pact with myself. I promised that if I were drafted, I would try to be the best skater I could be. I still have a TON to learn and will be continuing to work toward that goal this year.

Do you have a favorite moment from your 2012 derby season? My favorite moment from the 2012 season definitely has to be skating out onto the track at Shriner’s with the Cosmos for the first time ever. It was the most surreal moment of my life!

What do you love to do most on the track? As long as I’m being a good teammate and skating well, I’m having a good time!

What’s your gear of choice? Everything! Safety first!

I’m obsessed with my Reidell 495s. Currently, I have them outfitted with Reckless Envy wheels in the front and Reckless Heartless wheels in the back. It’s a weird set up, I know. I also use TSG knee pads, Smith Scab knee gaskets, and Atom wrist guards. I love my ProTechDent mouthguard and my Triple8 helmet- though, I’d like to get a hockey helmet soon. Honesty time! I had to look up each item because whenever I need anything, I go into The Bruised Boutique. They always recommend the best gear and I just say yes. Love you guys!

What’s your playing style? Haha. I wish I had a style. I don’t know! You tell me! 

PHOTO © DAVID ANDREW MORRIS 2012

You’re a long-time surfer. Do you think your surfing experience has helped you in any way with skating and derby? Most definitely. When you paddle out on a surfboard, you have to be able to gauge the wave- find out where it’s going, when it’s going to break, or if it’s going to close out. Then you have to be able to go with it and use the wave to your advantage. It’s really about harmony and awareness. Roller derby embodies both of these qualities. Each skater has to be able to read her teammates and her opponents, see what’s going to happen before it happens, and take advantage of any situation that arises.

Do you have any derby heroes? Honestly, I have too many derby heroes to list. If I were to list them all, this interview would go on until next Tuesday!

What other things do you do for the league? I work with new and transferring skaters, I am a member of the Skater Mediation Task Force, I help out with the league calendar, and I am an assistant coach for contact skaters. Whew!

You’re a coach for our Training and Recreation Team. Why did you get involved with TRT? Trying out for BDD meant stepping outside of my comfort zone. I clearly remember what it was like to try out and not have any experience on skates. As a freshie, you’re learning skills that are entirely new and using muscles you never knew existed. The BDD freshmeat training not only made me a better skater, it also helped me achieve goals I never thought were possible. How could you not want to be a part of such an amazing process??

What’s your best advice for new players? · Push yourself to the limits. You’ll never know how far you can go until you try. · Keep a derby journal to help you remember how far you’ve come and where you want to go. · Be a good teammate and league mate. This is an amazing sisterhood- appreciate it. · Respect the vets. Their words of wisdom and advice will help you get to where you want to be. · Take care of your body! Eating right and sleeping right makes everything better. · HAVE FUN! 

PHOTO © JOE MEDOLO 2013

What’s your favorite thing about being involved in roller derby? This is going to sound gushy and cliché but I love everything about roller derby. I love how it takes over your life until all you can think about is roller derby. I love how it pushes you until you have nothing left. I love the camaraderie, the skill and power the sport inspires. I love it all. Gushy and cliché, right?

You recently made the Boston B Party, our b-squad interleague travel team! Congratulations. What are some of your goals in 2013? Thank you! I never could have imagined this in a million years. My list of goals is incredibly long. I’ll give you the short list. This year, I’d like to get stronger and build my core. Both of these things will increase explosiveness and agility! Secondly, I need to entrench myself in gameplay. I want to understand the ins and outs of the game to the best of my ability. Finally (but not really- the list goes on, remember?), I’d like to perfect my stops! Like, I literally want to be able to stop on a dime.

What do you do off the track? When I’m not on the track, I’m teaching English to sophomores in Dorchester. Go Bears!

Anything else you’d like to tell us? White Gold. 2013. 

PHOTO © DAVID ANDREW MORRIS 2012

Everyone at BDD knows that Jill is an amazing NSO, but what’s even more incredible is how well known and respected she is by every WFTDA league in the world. She puts in so much travel time and dedication for training and tournaments that people can’t help but look up to her!