Our featured skater this month is E Venger, while she outlines her derby history here, Eve could equally be called ‘Every skater can learn from this’ as right from day one Eve threw herself into derby, literally, to quote this accented, imported addition to our derby family and we congratulate her on her taking up the position as League Chair after keeping our dollars and sense, oops cents in check since joining the league. She truly is a superhero of the Bay City Rollers.
What is your derby name? Please explain the inspiration and story behind your derby name.
E VENGER - As a big fan of superheroes, alter egos, adventure, SCI-FI and cartoons, this is where my thoughts took me when thinking about my derby name. Avengers had just screened so E VENGER was an extension on that and my initials at the time were E V.
Everyone calls me Eve and seeing my name on bout rosters next to fierce names such as Mortal, Carnage, Chaos, Fear, Kill Billy and Manek always brings a smile to my face.
What is your derby name? Please explain the inspiration and story behind your derby name.
E VENGER - As a big fan of superheroes, alter egos, adventure, SCI-FI and cartoons, this is where my thoughts took me when thinking about my derby name. Avengers had just screened so E VENGER was an extension on that and my initials at the time were E V.
Everyone calls me Eve and seeing my name on bout rosters next to fierce names such as Mortal, Carnage, Chaos, Fear, Kill Billy and Manek always brings a smile to my face.
What is your number? Why did you choose it?
363 – as it’s part of my phone number.
Quote & Why?
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
I believe in taking action and that hard work brings success. I do not mind falling over or making mistakes, it is part of a process. Do not get me wrong, it frustrates the hell out of me if I cannot master something right away, but it also makes me very stubborn and determined to sort it.
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
Roller Derby is an amazing sport. There you have grown up mature women training, practicing and playing a full contact, full on sport; you have to admire it. Add to that the strategies, rules, personalities, and that you do not necessarily have to be physically big, to make a huge impact on a game at a crucial time - and you get quite a picture of how complex it is. I have met so many amazing people through Roller Derby, many of them have become great friends, some of them have become part of my family. I cherish it.
363 – as it’s part of my phone number.
Quote & Why?
Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.
I believe in taking action and that hard work brings success. I do not mind falling over or making mistakes, it is part of a process. Do not get me wrong, it frustrates the hell out of me if I cannot master something right away, but it also makes me very stubborn and determined to sort it.
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
Roller Derby is an amazing sport. There you have grown up mature women training, practicing and playing a full contact, full on sport; you have to admire it. Add to that the strategies, rules, personalities, and that you do not necessarily have to be physically big, to make a huge impact on a game at a crucial time - and you get quite a picture of how complex it is. I have met so many amazing people through Roller Derby, many of them have become great friends, some of them have become part of my family. I cherish it.
How long have you been involved with Roller Derby?
2 years. It feels such a long time and short time at the same time.
Describe your first Bout
I was so excited! Then during the first jam my nose started to bleed and for the rest of the game I had a wad of cotton wool stuck up my nose. I look so pretty in the pictures J
Which team do you play for at BCR?
Iron Maidens.
What is your position of choice?
I am a true blue blocker.
What is your skate gear of choice?
I have my beginner Crazy skates that I bought when I started. It is time to upgrade I think. But most of all I value my Scabs knee pads, they really work for me.
2 years. It feels such a long time and short time at the same time.
Describe your first Bout
I was so excited! Then during the first jam my nose started to bleed and for the rest of the game I had a wad of cotton wool stuck up my nose. I look so pretty in the pictures J
Which team do you play for at BCR?
Iron Maidens.
What is your position of choice?
I am a true blue blocker.
What is your skate gear of choice?
I have my beginner Crazy skates that I bought when I started. It is time to upgrade I think. But most of all I value my Scabs knee pads, they really work for me.
Do you have a pre-bout ritual?
I get quite wired before a bout, so I just try to remain cool, calm and collected. Failing that I just goof around with Angel Rage.
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
I think I should really get another pair of laces, especially now as I gave my spares to Kill Billy.
What has been your best derby moment?
Making it into the team to compete at Derby Royale in 2013 during my freshmeat year. Secretly I wanted it so bad…and it worked out in the end.
How did you get involved with roller derby?
We were given Comp tickets to a BCR game and went along to check it out. Then among the friends I said I can do that. My friends said, go on then! I said, fine I will, you watch me…and the rest, as they say, is history.
What, if any, are the challenges that come with being involved in this sport?
Time and finding time for extra practice or even just to watch bouts.
I get quite wired before a bout, so I just try to remain cool, calm and collected. Failing that I just goof around with Angel Rage.
What do you think about when you're lacing up your skates?
I think I should really get another pair of laces, especially now as I gave my spares to Kill Billy.
What has been your best derby moment?
Making it into the team to compete at Derby Royale in 2013 during my freshmeat year. Secretly I wanted it so bad…and it worked out in the end.
How did you get involved with roller derby?
We were given Comp tickets to a BCR game and went along to check it out. Then among the friends I said I can do that. My friends said, go on then! I said, fine I will, you watch me…and the rest, as they say, is history.
What, if any, are the challenges that come with being involved in this sport?
Time and finding time for extra practice or even just to watch bouts.
Can you talk a bit about your Freshmeat (first year) year and how you learned to play roller derby?
My first year as Freshmeat was a real roller coaster; training was full on, but we had such a great bunch of people involved so we had lots of fun. I was eager to practice and learn, attending all the trainings except one when I was literally horizontal sick at home. Rockers trainings were open for spectators so whenever they scrimmaged or had visiting coaches I found myself hovering around there. It was also amazing to attend a day of training with Holly Go Hardly, Snot Rocket Science and Joy Collision in Wanganui. I had been skating for 6 weeks by then and this was my first time with full contact practice. I survived and was totally buzzing after that. By the end of the season I made it into the Runaways team and went to the Derby Royale tournament. When I saw my name in team roster I thought it must be a typo, but I wasn’t going to debate it. We had a great time at Derby Royale and came home holding our heads up high. A very proud moment…and that's it, my first year in derby.
My first year as Freshmeat was a real roller coaster; training was full on, but we had such a great bunch of people involved so we had lots of fun. I was eager to practice and learn, attending all the trainings except one when I was literally horizontal sick at home. Rockers trainings were open for spectators so whenever they scrimmaged or had visiting coaches I found myself hovering around there. It was also amazing to attend a day of training with Holly Go Hardly, Snot Rocket Science and Joy Collision in Wanganui. I had been skating for 6 weeks by then and this was my first time with full contact practice. I survived and was totally buzzing after that. By the end of the season I made it into the Runaways team and went to the Derby Royale tournament. When I saw my name in team roster I thought it must be a typo, but I wasn’t going to debate it. We had a great time at Derby Royale and came home holding our heads up high. A very proud moment…and that's it, my first year in derby.
What advice do you have for girls who want to join roller derby?
Do it! It is fantastic!
Who are your derby heroes?
I admire a lot of players for a variety of reasons, some are local and some are overseas but I’d rather not single them out. You know who you are.
How would you describe your derby playing style?
I am quite involved, physical and aggressive. I love it when i get challenged by jammers or blockers. I love it when players have a glint in their eyes and you know they are going to bring it.
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
I went through Soviet training regime for Equestrian Sports concentrating mainly on Show Jumping. I have also played volleyball, basketball, done cross-country skiing and a little bit of skating. A long time ago I was in a Russian Gymnastics Team…I made that story up, funnily enough everyone believed it.
Do it! It is fantastic!
Who are your derby heroes?
I admire a lot of players for a variety of reasons, some are local and some are overseas but I’d rather not single them out. You know who you are.
How would you describe your derby playing style?
I am quite involved, physical and aggressive. I love it when i get challenged by jammers or blockers. I love it when players have a glint in their eyes and you know they are going to bring it.
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
I went through Soviet training regime for Equestrian Sports concentrating mainly on Show Jumping. I have also played volleyball, basketball, done cross-country skiing and a little bit of skating. A long time ago I was in a Russian Gymnastics Team…I made that story up, funnily enough everyone believed it.
What tips would you share with skaters looking to improve their jamming/blocking skills?
No one else can make you better, improve your skills or make you fitter, YOU ARE IT so yeah get on with it. Learn to play with and trust your teammates because on track they are all you have got. It is not an individual sport so you need to fit in.
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
Best improved in my freshmeat year.
MVP for a couple of games 2nd year.
Captaining the Iron Maidens in my 2nd year.
But most of all I am proud of BCR as a league and our teams Twisted Sisters and Iron Maidens for doing so well.
Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for and why?
The season looks busy and I am looking forward to all the challenges.
I love the training and beginning of the year has offered opportunities to learn from the best in the world ie; Sarah Hipel and Stephanie Mainey.
No one else can make you better, improve your skills or make you fitter, YOU ARE IT so yeah get on with it. Learn to play with and trust your teammates because on track they are all you have got. It is not an individual sport so you need to fit in.
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
Best improved in my freshmeat year.
MVP for a couple of games 2nd year.
Captaining the Iron Maidens in my 2nd year.
But most of all I am proud of BCR as a league and our teams Twisted Sisters and Iron Maidens for doing so well.
Do you have any upcoming bouts that you’re really excited for and why?
The season looks busy and I am looking forward to all the challenges.
I love the training and beginning of the year has offered opportunities to learn from the best in the world ie; Sarah Hipel and Stephanie Mainey.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
I have discovered I have this new addition of active, loud, wonderful, marvellous, strong women and men in my family now and that has changed my life a fair bit. I do not have much time to contemplate or procrastinate these days.
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
I am a contractor. My jobs vary from office admin, event support, database management, web development to equestrian coaching. I think that everything I do has taught me to be a survivor and that’s what is required also on the derby track.
I have discovered I have this new addition of active, loud, wonderful, marvellous, strong women and men in my family now and that has changed my life a fair bit. I do not have much time to contemplate or procrastinate these days.
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
I am a contractor. My jobs vary from office admin, event support, database management, web development to equestrian coaching. I think that everything I do has taught me to be a survivor and that’s what is required also on the derby track.
How do you find a balance between your derby life and your “real” life?
You have to. It really is that simple. I don't say it is always easy but good communication and careful time management it can be done. It is very worthwhile having 'derby life' and 'real' life and for a good thing I am willing to work hard.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
I would like to thank my mum for having me and raising me as at the time that was not easy for her. I would like to thank my family for always being there for me and loving me for who I am. Very special thanks go to my wife Andrea aka MC HammerHer for…everything really!
You have to. It really is that simple. I don't say it is always easy but good communication and careful time management it can be done. It is very worthwhile having 'derby life' and 'real' life and for a good thing I am willing to work hard.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
I would like to thank my mum for having me and raising me as at the time that was not easy for her. I would like to thank my family for always being there for me and loving me for who I am. Very special thanks go to my wife Andrea aka MC HammerHer for…everything really!
