Tell us about your name.
My derby name comes from "Little Earthquakes" which is the title to an album and song by Tori Amos whose been a huge influence. I think the song itself mirrors derby. There are many moving parts that can completely tear us down if we let it, but we persevere and sometimes laugh in the wake of destruction. There's something almost masochistic about derby, but it shows us a lot about ourselves, and it sure is fun! My derby name reminds me to always be me no matter what and that "Even the smallest person can change the course of the future." Even a Little Earthquake can shake things up a bit!
What’s your favorite derby position?
Jamming and I have a rough relationship sometimes, but it's my favorite position because it really pushes me. It activates a hungry, little beast in me which I like. To be tenacious and break through a tough wall is exhilarating. Even if I don't break through, knowing I gave it my best matters and makes me want to try harder the next time. All of the things that go into one jam is pretty intense. "A jammer defies the odds," as Twiggy once told me. I like to keep those words in my back booty-shorts pocket while I jam. Thanks, Twiggy!
Who/what inspires you on the track?
EVERY. SINGLE. LEAGUEMATE. I learn from everyone that I watch and play with - my trainers, my teammates, and especially the juniors. Those littles are fearless and can teach us all a thing or two! SFVRD, in general, is inspiring.
What is your favorite derby memory?
There are SO MANY, but here are 3:
1. During a juniors practice, I worked one-on-one with a new skater who was having a really rough time and spent the first half of practice in tears wanting to quit. By the end I had her skating on her own and laughing. It brought me so much joy to have that type of an impact on someone.
2. I got voted as co-captain for one of our freshie expo teams, The Astronaughties, which was a huge honor. During that bout, I got launched off my skates and into the air to where I felt like I needed a parachute before slow-motion landing in the center of the track. I really wish I knew who hit me. It was epic!
3) On my very first outdoor skate with a couple of our league sisters, I skated with my derby wife for the first time (before she was my wifey, of course). She showed up in a Wonder Woman outfit and cape and I thought, "Who the heck is this chick??" It was derby love at first sight.
What are you?
A little dweeb with a big heart who will always bleed blue and green.
