Your lucky undies will bring you luck. Your alter ego will bring out your second, more adventurous personality. Combine these two together and you get an award winning formula to be an awesome fun loving derby chick just like our Daisy Devil Spawn.
What is your derby name? Please explain the inspiration and story behind your derby name.
My name is Daisy Devil Spawn, but my league mates call me Spawn. When I was trying to come up with a name I had heaps of random name components on my fridge which I would play around with, but in the end I went with the nickname my high school bio teacher gave me- Devil Spawn (honestly, you go to one mufti day dressed like a gothic and it's all over!)
What is your number? Why did you choose it?
My number is 214, which is my wedding anniversary, 21st of April. It helps me remember the day and month but I never remember the year.
Quote & Why?
"Everything is awesome" the Lego movie. Because it is!
My name is Daisy Devil Spawn, but my league mates call me Spawn. When I was trying to come up with a name I had heaps of random name components on my fridge which I would play around with, but in the end I went with the nickname my high school bio teacher gave me- Devil Spawn (honestly, you go to one mufti day dressed like a gothic and it's all over!)
What is your number? Why did you choose it?
My number is 214, which is my wedding anniversary, 21st of April. It helps me remember the day and month but I never remember the year.
Quote & Why?
"Everything is awesome" the Lego movie. Because it is!
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
Roller derby to me is a way to let loose the pressures of home and work life. Dealing with the public, and kids, can sometimes drive one a bit cray cray so it's nice to have an outlet where I can work off steam in a safe environment. It's much more fun than joining a gym. I also consider my league mates my family.
How long have you been involved with Roller Derby?
I started around 3 years ago but not long after I became a rocker (aka bouting player) I found I was pregnant so my derby career went on hold for a year. I've been back in my skates for a year and a half now.
Describe your first Bout?
In a way there are two firsts, your cherry popper, which is a bout where the teams are made up from your own league and then a "proper" bout against another league. My first "proper" bout against another team is a bit of a blur to be honest. I do remember that us newer skaters would be able to have a turn at jamming in the second half if we had a comfortable lead in the first half, which we did. I had a go, and bam, penalty straight away!
Roller derby to me is a way to let loose the pressures of home and work life. Dealing with the public, and kids, can sometimes drive one a bit cray cray so it's nice to have an outlet where I can work off steam in a safe environment. It's much more fun than joining a gym. I also consider my league mates my family.
How long have you been involved with Roller Derby?
I started around 3 years ago but not long after I became a rocker (aka bouting player) I found I was pregnant so my derby career went on hold for a year. I've been back in my skates for a year and a half now.
Describe your first Bout?
In a way there are two firsts, your cherry popper, which is a bout where the teams are made up from your own league and then a "proper" bout against another league. My first "proper" bout against another team is a bit of a blur to be honest. I do remember that us newer skaters would be able to have a turn at jamming in the second half if we had a comfortable lead in the first half, which we did. I had a go, and bam, penalty straight away!
Which team do you play for Twisted Sisters/Iron Maidens?
I am a newly named "Iron Sister" which means I play for both, so double the game time.
What is your position of choice?
I want to be an all rounder, so I try to give everything a go. Jamming is super fun, but really hard work, the target is firmly in place on your back! Pivoting is kind of like part back up jammer and part leader of the pack. Less experienced players will look to you for guidance, so it's a great challenge!
What is your skate gear of choice?
I'm making it up as I go along. My first skates were really entry level stuff Suregrip GT-50s. They're not high quality but were my safe place for a long time. My new skates are taking some getting used to, but they're a lot lighter than my first pair. My safety pads are more tape than fabric these days.
I am a newly named "Iron Sister" which means I play for both, so double the game time.
What is your position of choice?
I want to be an all rounder, so I try to give everything a go. Jamming is super fun, but really hard work, the target is firmly in place on your back! Pivoting is kind of like part back up jammer and part leader of the pack. Less experienced players will look to you for guidance, so it's a great challenge!
What is your skate gear of choice?
I'm making it up as I go along. My first skates were really entry level stuff Suregrip GT-50s. They're not high quality but were my safe place for a long time. My new skates are taking some getting used to, but they're a lot lighter than my first pair. My safety pads are more tape than fabric these days.
Do you have a pre-bout ritual?
Panic! I try not to get to wound up, and I make sure I'm wearing my lucky superman undies.
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
Do I need to go to the toilet? Yes, I need to go to the toilet.
What has been your best derby moment?
My best moment is 100% the moment in my cherry popper bout where I was jamming and got hit off the track by an opposing blocker. I slid right off the track, along the ground and under the merch table, a good 10 metres away. I got up and got right back on the track and kept on going.
Panic! I try not to get to wound up, and I make sure I'm wearing my lucky superman undies.
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
Do I need to go to the toilet? Yes, I need to go to the toilet.
What has been your best derby moment?
My best moment is 100% the moment in my cherry popper bout where I was jamming and got hit off the track by an opposing blocker. I slid right off the track, along the ground and under the merch table, a good 10 metres away. I got up and got right back on the track and kept on going.
How did you get involved with roller derby?
I was on an unrelated committee with a league member, and she was constantly telling me I should give it a go. Eventually I did, and loved it. I constantly bemoan the fact it took me so long. If I had started the first time she mentioned it to me, I'd be a pro by now!
What if any are the challenges that comes with being involved in this sport?
Derby does take over your life, whether it's training twice a week, heading away for bouts or doing committee work. It's definitely a labour of love, and one we all gladly take on.
I was on an unrelated committee with a league member, and she was constantly telling me I should give it a go. Eventually I did, and loved it. I constantly bemoan the fact it took me so long. If I had started the first time she mentioned it to me, I'd be a pro by now!
What if any are the challenges that comes with being involved in this sport?
Derby does take over your life, whether it's training twice a week, heading away for bouts or doing committee work. It's definitely a labour of love, and one we all gladly take on.
Can you talk about your Freshmeat (first year) year and how you learned to play roller derby?
I kind of had 2 first years, for both it was just practice, practice, practice. Some skills come really easy, but some take forever to get. Everyone learns differently so you just have to persevere. I'm known for asking endless questions, but if I don't understand something then I want to figure it out! These days YouTube is a great help as well.
What advice do you have for girls who want to join roller derby?
Don't be afraid to give it a go. A lot of people think their stature is too big or too small but, the reality is that a good derby team has a mix of all sizes. We all have our advantages and disadvantages. The other thing that can put people off is the thought of hitting and being hit. You are taught everything you need to know to both hit and be hit safely. And, if it's really not working out then reffing is always an option. You get the joy of being on skates but without the hitting.
I kind of had 2 first years, for both it was just practice, practice, practice. Some skills come really easy, but some take forever to get. Everyone learns differently so you just have to persevere. I'm known for asking endless questions, but if I don't understand something then I want to figure it out! These days YouTube is a great help as well.
What advice do you have for girls who want to join roller derby?
Don't be afraid to give it a go. A lot of people think their stature is too big or too small but, the reality is that a good derby team has a mix of all sizes. We all have our advantages and disadvantages. The other thing that can put people off is the thought of hitting and being hit. You are taught everything you need to know to both hit and be hit safely. And, if it's really not working out then reffing is always an option. You get the joy of being on skates but without the hitting.
Who are your derby heroes?
Porterhouse Skate of course, and also E Venger. We were in the same freshmeat intake and I swear to god she's a machine. Her skill in roller derby is on par with some of the most experienced players in our league, who have been on skates for twice as long.
How would you describe your derby playing style?
I am small statured and my key strategy is to get even lower. If I'm jamming and an opposing blocker is swooping in to hit me I like to get really low and they tend to go right over me and miss! Other than that I'm just working on being light on my feet with a solid stance. One thing you learn in derby is that you need to be adaptable.
Porterhouse Skate of course, and also E Venger. We were in the same freshmeat intake and I swear to god she's a machine. Her skill in roller derby is on par with some of the most experienced players in our league, who have been on skates for twice as long.
How would you describe your derby playing style?
I am small statured and my key strategy is to get even lower. If I'm jamming and an opposing blocker is swooping in to hit me I like to get really low and they tend to go right over me and miss! Other than that I'm just working on being light on my feet with a solid stance. One thing you learn in derby is that you need to be adaptable.
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
Literally nothing! I had a bit of a play around on inline skates in my early teen years and that's it.
What tips would you share with skaters looking to improve their jamming/blocking skills?
Ask lots of questions, watch lots of games. Practice, practice, practice, and don't be afraid to give it a go.
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
I love it when the strategy we learn at training comes together in a game. One of our games last year I was jamming but my team could only field a few blockers, so I assisted my team in blocking the opposing jammer before I battled my way through the opposing blockers. Effectively meaning I acted as a blocker before switching back to my role as jammer. I also feel like a super hero when I attempt offence to help our jammer through. It often doesn't work, so when it does I'm always beyond excited.
Literally nothing! I had a bit of a play around on inline skates in my early teen years and that's it.
What tips would you share with skaters looking to improve their jamming/blocking skills?
Ask lots of questions, watch lots of games. Practice, practice, practice, and don't be afraid to give it a go.
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
I love it when the strategy we learn at training comes together in a game. One of our games last year I was jamming but my team could only field a few blockers, so I assisted my team in blocking the opposing jammer before I battled my way through the opposing blockers. Effectively meaning I acted as a blocker before switching back to my role as jammer. I also feel like a super hero when I attempt offence to help our jammer through. It often doesn't work, so when it does I'm always beyond excited.
Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for and why?
I'm excited for all my bouts this year. If I'm playing as a Twisted Sister it means I get to have a go at being more of a leader. But if I'm playing as an Iron Maiden it means I get guidance from the experienced skaters in my league.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
My league mates are my family. If I have a problem I can go to any of them, and I hope they know I'm there for them too. When I had my baby a few years ago a lot of the ladies cooked for my family covering a few weeks. It was a godsend when dealing with a baby! Since then I have returned the favour to other league mates who have had babies.
I'm excited for all my bouts this year. If I'm playing as a Twisted Sister it means I get to have a go at being more of a leader. But if I'm playing as an Iron Maiden it means I get guidance from the experienced skaters in my league.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
My league mates are my family. If I have a problem I can go to any of them, and I hope they know I'm there for them too. When I had my baby a few years ago a lot of the ladies cooked for my family covering a few weeks. It was a godsend when dealing with a baby! Since then I have returned the favour to other league mates who have had babies.
Have you noticed any changes in yourself since starting?
Fitness is the most obvious one that comes to mind. I've never been a big one for exercising but in derby you do need to be fit. Endurance is an essential part of roller derby. I also like to think I'm slightly less self centred lol.
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
I'm a librarian, so not a huge amount. If anything the stationary aspects of my job make it harder!
How do you find a balance between your derby life and your “real” life?
It can be hard, but it's like everything else. If I wasn't playing derby then I can only assume that there would be something else taking up my time. I love derby, so I make as much time for it as I can, and as my husband allows.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
Our coaches. They don't only train us twice a week but also put in the hours outside of derby coming up with plans and strategy. Without them, we would be bumbling around like newborn giraffes on skates! My long suffering husband, who makes it possible for me to dedicate my time to derby.
Fitness is the most obvious one that comes to mind. I've never been a big one for exercising but in derby you do need to be fit. Endurance is an essential part of roller derby. I also like to think I'm slightly less self centred lol.
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
I'm a librarian, so not a huge amount. If anything the stationary aspects of my job make it harder!
How do you find a balance between your derby life and your “real” life?
It can be hard, but it's like everything else. If I wasn't playing derby then I can only assume that there would be something else taking up my time. I love derby, so I make as much time for it as I can, and as my husband allows.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
Our coaches. They don't only train us twice a week but also put in the hours outside of derby coming up with plans and strategy. Without them, we would be bumbling around like newborn giraffes on skates! My long suffering husband, who makes it possible for me to dedicate my time to derby.
