Derby! (32/365)

32/365

You guys! Today was crazy fun!

It was bout day in our roller derby league and it did not disappoint. The first game was the Cherry Blossom Bombshells against Scare Force One.  The bout was a tight one as Scare Force squeaked out the win.

My team, the DC DemonCats played the Majority Whips.  Both teams were playing down a bunch of players so going into it, so we were ready to work hard.

As a new player, my goal for every bout it to improve a little bit. To pay more attention, to get in a hit, to not commit a penalty, and most of all to contribute a little bit more each time. I’ve been getting better slowly throughout the season, but since we were playing down today I felt like there was more pressure for me to contribute meaningfully and not make too many mistakes.

After a slow start, the second half of the bout was going much better for both me and our team. We closed a big gap at halftime and I got in a few more jams as both a blocker and…as a jammer! On my first jam, I got lead jammer, which means I got out from behind the pack first. You have more control for the rest of the jam as lead jammer so it’s always the goal. It was exciting. The second half I thought we played better but the Whips ended up beating us. It was a tough game for both teams but in the end it was REALLY STINKIN’ FUN.

At the end of each bout, each team votes for a Most Valuable Jammer and Most Valuable Blocker for the opposing team. It was a crazy surprise, but the Whips voted me MVJ! I was totally shocked and honored. Also, I think I’m starting to reach a point where my team can rely on me more during the game which is something I even more proud of.

There’s so much to be thankful for today. I’m thankful for all of my teammates. Each and every one of them has taken some time out of their practice time to give me pointers or to work with me to make me better. As we went into the bout today, my team had come up with a plan on how to help me with the things I struggle with the most. That kind of support is invaluable. I love them.

Also, today a lot of people who haven’t seen me play much derby came to watch me skate. There were people from all walks of my life – college, work, temple, family…it felt really nice to have so many people care enough to make the trek into DC to see me. Let’s just say, I’m feeling the love today!