July Featured Skater: Mud

Derby name: Mud

Number: #666

Position(s): Blocker, pivot, jammer occasionally

How long have you been playing derby?

I’ve been playing for LCRD for around 11 months!

How did you get started playing derby?

I’ve been skating my whole life and I played for the junior’s team when I was a teenager! I was skating at the rink and saw a poster for the junior’s team and begged my mom to let me play and that’s how I got started.

What's your favorite thing about it?

There are so many things about derby to love and I would say my favorite is the adrenaline rush and the sportsmanship. Nothing beats playing a good game or learning something new at practice.

How did you pick your derby name/number?

I grew up in the south and I wanted something simple and concise that felt like it fit me and Mud was definitely it. Living in the Bible Belt, I think 666 is just an ode to the satanic panic. My first choice would have been 13 but we have a lovely skater that fittingly has that number!

What's your proudest accomplishment on the track?

I love a good panty pass! I’m always really proud when I can complete them as a pivot. I got to jam at our last home game and getting lead was a super cool accomplishment too because jamming is something I feel I have lots of room to improve upon!

What's your gnarliest injury?

I thankfully haven’t sustained many injuries on track but I’m currently healing from a nasty stinger I got at practice but it’s healing up well. Honestly, the worst part of the injury is always not being able to play with the team.

How would you describe your derby playing style?

I strive to be a one man wall and I love to hit hard! As a blocker, I try my best to stick on the jammer and love to eat their space up. I’m working on not going off to snipe the jammer and sticking with my pack more. Working on my communication and improving on offense is always key as well.

What are your goals for the season?

My first goal is to get back to contact and start training up for the Stomp!!! Secondly, I want to be a better communicator in my pack and overreact less to jukey jammers. I want to be able to really asses what’s happening during jams and play accordingly. Jamnesia is a hard thing to beat sometimes but the more you practice and play the better you get!

What do you like to do in your free time?

I love to make art and go outdoors! A good hike or making something fun with my hands is super grounding and helps me put my person suit back on.

If you had a song play every time you walked into a room, what would it be?

It would probably have to be My Name Is Mud by Primus. It’s what inspired my derby name. It’s definitely a tie between that and the Goosebumps theme song.