I'm Zo D'Praved, Roller Derby 'White Star' (i.e. P-Plater) and major Fan Girl of all things Derby.
Over the months I hope to bring you interviews from Roller Derby Girls all over Australia, who embody everything we love about the sport - strength, courage, determination, passion and a whole whack of sexy!
This blog is for the fans as well as the players, in hope that we can learn something about what makes our fav Derby Girls tick and also pick up some skating tips along the way.
First cab off the rank is Tweed Valley Rollers' MONIE BONES, star Jammer for Tweed Valley Roller's bouting team, the Valley Vixens...
Z: Firstly, tell us how long you’ve been doing Derby and how you first got into it:
MB: I started skating in January 2010 Epic Northern Roller Girls after seeing a good friend compete in a GCRD home game at Cararra in November 2009.
Z: What has been the biggest PHYSICAL challenge you’ve encountered and/or overcome in your Derby career thus far?
MB: Aah! Derby is CONSTANTLY challenging me! Physical challenges would definitely be increasing my muscle tone in order to take big hits! Also keeping up my cardio, increasing my lung capacity so I can JAM JAM JAM (and not vomit!)
Z: What has been the biggest EMOTIONAL/MENTAL challenge?
MB: There have been many . . . but starting my term as 2011 TVR President after my house burnt to the ground in January of that year, and still encountering negativity within the league from certain members. Plus the general challenges that come from volunteer sport management of alpha women.
Z: What are some of the everyday challenges that you face (i.e. logistical challenges that come with juggling Derby, job, kids, relationships etc)?
MB: Striving for that derby/family/work balance. Learning to let things go and trusting that others will follow through and do their jobs. Knowing that all you can do is be respectful and do your best : you can't control peoples opinions of you, worry about what you can control and get on with it. Oh, and don't be a diva!
Z: How do you stay inspired to keep pushing and improving skills, particularly when faced with these challenges?
MB: Derby is within as well as without. I feel the spiritual signifigance of belonging to one of the largest collective of women ON THE PLANET! Thousands of women are becoming empowered (physically and emotionally) – at a rate which hasn't been seen for centuries. I belong to something much much bigger than myself – this keeps me motivated and inspired.
Z: What do you feel has been your best ‘derby moment’ so far?
MB: Ooooh, theres so many! Actually on skates : getting lead jammer against one of my derby heros – whom I've admired for years.Trying on goofy clothes in a thrift store with Olivia Shootn John and Rice Rocket of TXRG and teaching Rice Rocket how to do a TimTam bomb when they were out here for a boot camp last year. Being on set of Star Crossed Jammers film last year and meeting AMAZING skaters from around the country.
Thank you so very much to Ms Monie Bones for taking the time out to answer my questions. If you'd like to know more about the amazing Tweed Valley Rollers, go to http://www.tweedvalleyrollers.com/
Please take the time to share this blog and suggest any other girls who may like to be interviewed!
See ya on the rink xo
D'Praved
