Our featured skater this month is not just plain nasty she’s our elaborate Nas Tee Girl! Yes, those complicated off the cuff quips have us chuckling. Inspired by reading a beginner skaters journey through the local paper Nas Tee decided to tick “live life to the fullest” off her bucket list and signed up for the next Roadies beginner course. Her involvement in the league over the past six years has seen her head nearly every committee and was cheered on as she agreed to Chair BCR! Doctors orders saw Nas Tee retiring from competition bouting but never one to give up she is currently trying her hand signals at reffing. Some things come full circle as Nas Tee finds herself back at Roadies but this time as mother hen or Head Coach to the babies of the BCR our freshmeat. Interested in joining our next intake on July 17th? Nas Tee and team will be there to greet you and you’ll find out just how nice she is....
Quote & Why?
That’s just plain Nas Tee! I choose this as my quote for no other reason than I could include my derby name in it. With saying that, I don’t think I’m overly nasty by nature.
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
Big question. To start with derby was a bucket list item. After a while it became so much more. I have never been a sporty person and hadn’t played a team sport since I was in my late teens. Derby became more than a fun sport, it became a big part of me.
How long have you been involved with Roller Derby and BCR?
I started the Roadies (freshmeat course in other leagues) in July 2011 so I am heading into my sixth year.
That’s just plain Nas Tee! I choose this as my quote for no other reason than I could include my derby name in it. With saying that, I don’t think I’m overly nasty by nature.
Describe what Roller Derby means to you?
Big question. To start with derby was a bucket list item. After a while it became so much more. I have never been a sporty person and hadn’t played a team sport since I was in my late teens. Derby became more than a fun sport, it became a big part of me.
How long have you been involved with Roller Derby and BCR?
I started the Roadies (freshmeat course in other leagues) in July 2011 so I am heading into my sixth year.
How did you get involved with roller derby?
There was a reporter doing a blog in the local Napier paper, writing a diary each week about the course and how it was challenging her in so many different ways. I followed her journey for a few weeks and decided I would give it a go and haven’t looked back.
What is/are your role/s within the league?
What hasn’t been my role should be the question! My first step into the minefield of roller derby was Head of Events. Wow, what a learning curve that was. I managed to pull off a successful bout at Pettigrew Green Arena, Night of the Skating Dead. A huge feat that 600 came to get a taste of derby. I spent a year as Chair of the league, which was very interesting and again challenging. Organising, overseeing and steering a league of 60 odd woman is like nothing I had ever experienced but I lived and so did the league. The other roles I undertook were Head of Recruitment for a couple of terms, a stint at Head of Funship and now I’m into my second term of nurturing our BCR babies as Head of Roadies. I am also trying to turn my hand at reffing, I’ll keep you posted on that one!
There was a reporter doing a blog in the local Napier paper, writing a diary each week about the course and how it was challenging her in so many different ways. I followed her journey for a few weeks and decided I would give it a go and haven’t looked back.
What is/are your role/s within the league?
What hasn’t been my role should be the question! My first step into the minefield of roller derby was Head of Events. Wow, what a learning curve that was. I managed to pull off a successful bout at Pettigrew Green Arena, Night of the Skating Dead. A huge feat that 600 came to get a taste of derby. I spent a year as Chair of the league, which was very interesting and again challenging. Organising, overseeing and steering a league of 60 odd woman is like nothing I had ever experienced but I lived and so did the league. The other roles I undertook were Head of Recruitment for a couple of terms, a stint at Head of Funship and now I’m into my second term of nurturing our BCR babies as Head of Roadies. I am also trying to turn my hand at reffing, I’ll keep you posted on that one!
How did you transition into your support role/s?
There can be a slight push into position’s (just like on the track) at times because at the end of the day the role needs to be filled and you just need to get on with it. I never really recognised myself as an overly strong person although I see myself as fairly confident but I’d like to think I’m not cocky with it. What I have discovered is that these roles have made me stronger in character and given me a better understanding of the many diverse personalities that are attracted to derby.
Why did you hang up your skates?
In my opinion I have figuratively hung up my skates even though I’m still in them. I was given the option of either continuing to play and end up having my spine fused and not being able to skate at all or back off the contact (get it). So I took the option of not playing. This has given me the all clear, well for now at least.
There can be a slight push into position’s (just like on the track) at times because at the end of the day the role needs to be filled and you just need to get on with it. I never really recognised myself as an overly strong person although I see myself as fairly confident but I’d like to think I’m not cocky with it. What I have discovered is that these roles have made me stronger in character and given me a better understanding of the many diverse personalities that are attracted to derby.
Why did you hang up your skates?
In my opinion I have figuratively hung up my skates even though I’m still in them. I was given the option of either continuing to play and end up having my spine fused and not being able to skate at all or back off the contact (get it). So I took the option of not playing. This has given me the all clear, well for now at least.
Was it difficult to hang up your skates?
Yes, extremely difficult! I need my spine to get me through a few more years so I had to suck it up and get over it. Physically I have accepted this decision as I’m not playing but emotionally and others will tell you that it’s hard watching as I wish I was out there with my team buddies pumped full of adrenaline.
Do you travel with the team (describe these trips)?
“What goes on tour stays on tour” such a wise quote whoever came up with that. I have been on some amazing road trips with BCR and laughter and fun is always top of the list. I thought I knew a fair bit about life being 40 plus but I can tell you you're never too old to learn! In my case too “In sickness and in health” is another quote I’ve had to rely on a couple of times. I’ve been carried and wheeled around by my teammates and it always hasn’t been on the track. And for that support I’m truly grateful.
Yes, extremely difficult! I need my spine to get me through a few more years so I had to suck it up and get over it. Physically I have accepted this decision as I’m not playing but emotionally and others will tell you that it’s hard watching as I wish I was out there with my team buddies pumped full of adrenaline.
Do you travel with the team (describe these trips)?
“What goes on tour stays on tour” such a wise quote whoever came up with that. I have been on some amazing road trips with BCR and laughter and fun is always top of the list. I thought I knew a fair bit about life being 40 plus but I can tell you you're never too old to learn! In my case too “In sickness and in health” is another quote I’ve had to rely on a couple of times. I’ve been carried and wheeled around by my teammates and it always hasn’t been on the track. And for that support I’m truly grateful.
What has been your best derby moment?
I have enjoyed so many games, just playing was great to me. Being a part of a team, and getting out of my comfort zone.
My last game I played for BCR was memorable and fun. I was never that amazing player on the track and I had no illusions of grandeur. However, the last jam I was told I was jamming. What? Nas Tee don’t jam?! I had no idea what I was doing, but I managed to get lead and even scored points! I laughed so much skating around the track I really didn’t want the game to end because I knew it would be my last.
What if any are the challenges that comes with being involved in this sport?
Getting out there and playing is a challenge in itself, being in the right place at the right time on the track again can be a challenge. I don’t have much of a sporting or fitness background so it was a hard work to get out there and keep upright. There were times I was ready to chuck it in but I pushed through those barriers and made it. Unfortunately with my spine the way it is I always copped extra knocks and a couple of cracked ribs, the cracked tailbone made it pretty challenging to get through Roadies, however I kept going.
I have enjoyed so many games, just playing was great to me. Being a part of a team, and getting out of my comfort zone.
My last game I played for BCR was memorable and fun. I was never that amazing player on the track and I had no illusions of grandeur. However, the last jam I was told I was jamming. What? Nas Tee don’t jam?! I had no idea what I was doing, but I managed to get lead and even scored points! I laughed so much skating around the track I really didn’t want the game to end because I knew it would be my last.
What if any are the challenges that comes with being involved in this sport?
Getting out there and playing is a challenge in itself, being in the right place at the right time on the track again can be a challenge. I don’t have much of a sporting or fitness background so it was a hard work to get out there and keep upright. There were times I was ready to chuck it in but I pushed through those barriers and made it. Unfortunately with my spine the way it is I always copped extra knocks and a couple of cracked ribs, the cracked tailbone made it pretty challenging to get through Roadies, however I kept going.
What advice do you have for those who interested in joining the league?
Get in there give it a go, it's great for your fitness it, helps pop your personal bubble issues! Derby is an amazing sport where you will meet some really amazing women. I would say some of the girls I have met through derby will be my friends for life.
Who are your derby heroes?
I know a lot of the girls are in awe of all the great players, especially players from the USA. For me anyone who gives it a go and gets out on the track is my hero. You don’t have to be great you just have to play with heart. I know not everyone agrees with my mantra. I do get a thrill from winning a game but to be honest that’s not why I played. I won in so many other ways even if the scoreboard was not in our favour.
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments?
Playing haha! No, in all seriousness being a part of so many games and playing in two Derby Royale tournaments.
Get in there give it a go, it's great for your fitness it, helps pop your personal bubble issues! Derby is an amazing sport where you will meet some really amazing women. I would say some of the girls I have met through derby will be my friends for life.
Who are your derby heroes?
I know a lot of the girls are in awe of all the great players, especially players from the USA. For me anyone who gives it a go and gets out on the track is my hero. You don’t have to be great you just have to play with heart. I know not everyone agrees with my mantra. I do get a thrill from winning a game but to be honest that’s not why I played. I won in so many other ways even if the scoreboard was not in our favour.
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments?
Playing haha! No, in all seriousness being a part of so many games and playing in two Derby Royale tournaments.
How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
I think it has given me a more of a can do attitude; also it has expanded my multitasking skills. My driving has become a bit more erratic. I can remember when I was in Roadies we used to talk about how we started to drive as if we were on the track, don’t tell my hubby that!
Have you noticed any changes in yourself since starting?
Physically, yes I’m more broken - ha! I was so much fitter than I had ever been for a long time. If I am honest my fitness has declined since I stopped playing. Overall, I don’t think I’ve changed within myself as such, my personality traits are still there, maybe my sarcasm is slightly stronger? I’m essentially still Tanya with a pseudonym.
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
I’m Senior Support running a vocational service for people with intellectual disabilities. Most days I’m logistically trying to support and organise 40 plus service users and 6 staff to have a productive, beneficial, fun day. That’s a derby event scenario right there!
I think my day job helps me deal with the many personalities and not to stress too much. A league at times can be pretty stressful place. There are success stories, conflicts of interest, personality clashes wherever you work, and it helps you deal with such things that may arise in a club, especially in a league that’s 98% female. Conversely, I think that being a member of BCR has contributed to how I go about my job too.
I think it has given me a more of a can do attitude; also it has expanded my multitasking skills. My driving has become a bit more erratic. I can remember when I was in Roadies we used to talk about how we started to drive as if we were on the track, don’t tell my hubby that!
Have you noticed any changes in yourself since starting?
Physically, yes I’m more broken - ha! I was so much fitter than I had ever been for a long time. If I am honest my fitness has declined since I stopped playing. Overall, I don’t think I’ve changed within myself as such, my personality traits are still there, maybe my sarcasm is slightly stronger? I’m essentially still Tanya with a pseudonym.
What is your day job? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby?
I’m Senior Support running a vocational service for people with intellectual disabilities. Most days I’m logistically trying to support and organise 40 plus service users and 6 staff to have a productive, beneficial, fun day. That’s a derby event scenario right there!
I think my day job helps me deal with the many personalities and not to stress too much. A league at times can be pretty stressful place. There are success stories, conflicts of interest, personality clashes wherever you work, and it helps you deal with such things that may arise in a club, especially in a league that’s 98% female. Conversely, I think that being a member of BCR has contributed to how I go about my job too.
How do you find a balance between your derby life and your “real” life?
It isn’t easy at times, most of the members would agree and it is hard to say NO because we don’t want to let others down and we want a great league. I did struggle with it for a while, but found if I put 100% effort into both my real life on a non-derby day and 100% to derby when I could, it panned out. I learnt that the nights I had committee work to do this would happen when hubby was at work and the kids were in bed. Didn’t always happen like that but I did try!
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
To be fair my list would be long and I couldn’t handle it if I left a special person out who had helped me out along my BCR journey. Mainly the girls who I’m really close to they know who they are :) You’re the ones who had my back, pushed me through and messaged me endlessly. Also, the ones who helped my pop my hug bubble are pretty special.
Then there are my little ones too…
The support has been from nearly everyone in the league and not forgetting some that were there with me in the beginning but have now moved on to different things.
I’ve had great family support even though I may have pushed them over the edge from time to time with my derby consumption.
It isn’t easy at times, most of the members would agree and it is hard to say NO because we don’t want to let others down and we want a great league. I did struggle with it for a while, but found if I put 100% effort into both my real life on a non-derby day and 100% to derby when I could, it panned out. I learnt that the nights I had committee work to do this would happen when hubby was at work and the kids were in bed. Didn’t always happen like that but I did try!
Is there anyone that you would like to send a special thank you to?
To be fair my list would be long and I couldn’t handle it if I left a special person out who had helped me out along my BCR journey. Mainly the girls who I’m really close to they know who they are :) You’re the ones who had my back, pushed me through and messaged me endlessly. Also, the ones who helped my pop my hug bubble are pretty special.
Then there are my little ones too…
The support has been from nearly everyone in the league and not forgetting some that were there with me in the beginning but have now moved on to different things.
I’ve had great family support even though I may have pushed them over the edge from time to time with my derby consumption.
