“Most seem to find Roller Derby in transitional periods. We ruin our bodies to save our souls, and for some reason, that makes perfect sense”.
– Bonnie D. Stroir.
What is your derby name:
Stain. It has been my childhood nickname. My real name is Kristain. I tried to think of a “cool” derby name and used DiSta!n for a while but I know that if someone needs my attention and yells out STAIN I am more likely to respond to that.
What is your number and why did you choose it:
210. My birthday is the 2nd and my Daughter Brookes is the 10th so I put the two together. It was just her and I when I started playing so it is special to us.
– Bonnie D. Stroir.
What is your derby name:
Stain. It has been my childhood nickname. My real name is Kristain. I tried to think of a “cool” derby name and used DiSta!n for a while but I know that if someone needs my attention and yells out STAIN I am more likely to respond to that.
What is your number and why did you choose it:
210. My birthday is the 2nd and my Daughter Brookes is the 10th so I put the two together. It was just her and I when I started playing so it is special to us.
Describe what Roller Derby means to you:
As corny as it may sound, Roller Derby saved me. I came out of a bad marriage and needed to find myself again. Derby has given me confidence in myself and my body. It makes me feel strong and capable. I am proud to be part of such an amazing sport surrounded by supportive women (and men). It means the world to me!
How did you get involved with Roller Derby:
My best friend Jane told me about it, of course around the time when the film Whip It came out. We went along to a Fresh Meat training at the Papatoetoe Skating rink and I was hooked right away.
How long have you been involved in Roller Derby:
My Fresh Meat training was in 2009 with the Pirate City Rollers. It’s been a few years, however I took time off in 2014-2016 due to injury and then pregnancy.
As corny as it may sound, Roller Derby saved me. I came out of a bad marriage and needed to find myself again. Derby has given me confidence in myself and my body. It makes me feel strong and capable. I am proud to be part of such an amazing sport surrounded by supportive women (and men). It means the world to me!
How did you get involved with Roller Derby:
My best friend Jane told me about it, of course around the time when the film Whip It came out. We went along to a Fresh Meat training at the Papatoetoe Skating rink and I was hooked right away.
How long have you been involved in Roller Derby:
My Fresh Meat training was in 2009 with the Pirate City Rollers. It’s been a few years, however I took time off in 2014-2016 due to injury and then pregnancy.
Can you talk a bit about your fresh meat year and how you learned to play derby:
Freshmeat was tough! I hadn’t skated in 20 years and my body was in shock for the first few months. I was fortunate to have started my derby career with the Pirate City Rollers so was coached by Hannah Jennings, Elicia Nisbet-Smith and Fia Fasi Oi who are some of the best players around.
It took time to come to grips with the mix of mental and physical toughness needed to play this sport but here I am 8years later!
Describe your first bout:
I was playing in the Pirates Fresh Meat team vs the Hellminton Roller Ghouls. I am pretty sure I spent most of my time on the floor wondering what was going on.
What is your position of choice:
Pivot because I am bossy. Blocker because I like to stop people.
Freshmeat was tough! I hadn’t skated in 20 years and my body was in shock for the first few months. I was fortunate to have started my derby career with the Pirate City Rollers so was coached by Hannah Jennings, Elicia Nisbet-Smith and Fia Fasi Oi who are some of the best players around.
It took time to come to grips with the mix of mental and physical toughness needed to play this sport but here I am 8years later!
Describe your first bout:
I was playing in the Pirates Fresh Meat team vs the Hellminton Roller Ghouls. I am pretty sure I spent most of my time on the floor wondering what was going on.
What is your position of choice:
Pivot because I am bossy. Blocker because I like to stop people.
What is your skate gear of choice:
I skate on Bont hybrids with atom juke wheels and heartless bearings, my Fiancé has been instrumental in researching the right set up for me.
What has been your best derby moment:
I can say that coming back to play in 2017 as a Twisted Sister for Bay City Rollers was the best year to date! I was awarded two MVP Blocker medals throughout the year, then won MVP Blocker for the Twisted Sisters at end of year prize giving. I was so proud of myself to know that all the effort I had put in was recognised and respected by my peers.
What if any are the challenges that come with being involved in this sport:
It is a real mental challenge, some days you have an amazing training and feel super confident and amped about it and then other days you feel defeated, but it is like that with any sport and any challenge in life.
If you love it, you will find a way to push through the tough times and give it your best.
I skate on Bont hybrids with atom juke wheels and heartless bearings, my Fiancé has been instrumental in researching the right set up for me.
What has been your best derby moment:
I can say that coming back to play in 2017 as a Twisted Sister for Bay City Rollers was the best year to date! I was awarded two MVP Blocker medals throughout the year, then won MVP Blocker for the Twisted Sisters at end of year prize giving. I was so proud of myself to know that all the effort I had put in was recognised and respected by my peers.
What if any are the challenges that come with being involved in this sport:
It is a real mental challenge, some days you have an amazing training and feel super confident and amped about it and then other days you feel defeated, but it is like that with any sport and any challenge in life.
If you love it, you will find a way to push through the tough times and give it your best.
Who are your derby heroes:
Two of my most favourite players who also happen to be Sisters are Terror Satana and Skate the Muss (both have just played in Manchester for their 3rd World Cup!) They are both strong and agile and have each helped me with my own game. I am very lucky to call them my friends.
How would you describe your derby playing style:
Well I am not fast, but I am solid! I like to hit hard and I like to be an obstacle. I am always aware of what is going on and always try to anticipate the oppositions next move. I watch faces and feet, they give a lot away!
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background:
Nothing! I was a very sedentary person until I started playing derby. I now run, bike, wakeboard, surf and attend ZUU and Ankkor fitness classes.
Two of my most favourite players who also happen to be Sisters are Terror Satana and Skate the Muss (both have just played in Manchester for their 3rd World Cup!) They are both strong and agile and have each helped me with my own game. I am very lucky to call them my friends.
How would you describe your derby playing style:
Well I am not fast, but I am solid! I like to hit hard and I like to be an obstacle. I am always aware of what is going on and always try to anticipate the oppositions next move. I watch faces and feet, they give a lot away!
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background:
Nothing! I was a very sedentary person until I started playing derby. I now run, bike, wakeboard, surf and attend ZUU and Ankkor fitness classes.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life:
It has made me proud of my body and what it is capable of, it has made me more active and allowed my family and I to keep active together. It has proven to me that I can do anything I put my mind to. Plus, I now have an amazing extended family full of loving, supportive people who are all part of this crazy sport.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to:
Firstly, my Fiancé Matt for his patience, support and research skills. He always makes sure I am looked after, strapped up and ready to roll. He has tweaked my skates to match what I need and makes sure I always have good gear from my helmet down to my bearings. And he is always ready with the anti-flamme to help make me feel better.
My two children Brooke and Kieran who come to watch all Mummas games and cheer me on from the side-lines.
The fantastic Coaches and fellow skaters at BCR for welcoming me into their wonderful league with open arms and encouraging me every step of the way.
It has made me proud of my body and what it is capable of, it has made me more active and allowed my family and I to keep active together. It has proven to me that I can do anything I put my mind to. Plus, I now have an amazing extended family full of loving, supportive people who are all part of this crazy sport.
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to:
Firstly, my Fiancé Matt for his patience, support and research skills. He always makes sure I am looked after, strapped up and ready to roll. He has tweaked my skates to match what I need and makes sure I always have good gear from my helmet down to my bearings. And he is always ready with the anti-flamme to help make me feel better.
My two children Brooke and Kieran who come to watch all Mummas games and cheer me on from the side-lines.
The fantastic Coaches and fellow skaters at BCR for welcoming me into their wonderful league with open arms and encouraging me every step of the way.
Inspired by Stain's story? Find out how to join the Bay City Rollers here.
