Represent

Represent
101

BIO
Hi there, I’m “Represent”, I joined the team in November 2009. I started out as a photographer for the KDD back in August of 2009. I knew nothing about roller derby, but the more I followed the games the more curious I became of this new sport and the “need to play” took over. Coming from a background of competitive skateboarding, snowboarding and wakeboarding, I wasn’t too sure if I could actually roller skate or even play a “team sport”! One day my fascination turned into reality and I found myself at a derby 101 class! Being on skates for the first time and derby felt so natural, like this is what I have been training my whole life for!

What's the origin of your derby name?
Well, about ten years ago I started a “girls only” skateboard group. Our goal was to show the guys that girls can get out there and skate just as good, if not better. We would paint our own t-shirts with the word “Represent” across the front in big bold letters and just show up at a park skating with them on! Seeing people’s reactions to a group of girls taking over the skate park was the best part! I don’t know how many times I’ve heard “wow, your pretty good for a girl” from kids! It feels so amazing inspiring people, especially girls who don’t think they can skate, and showing them they can! The main thing is to just try, even if you’re not great right away, all that matters is that you’re having fun and learning something new!

What equipment do you use?
I love my custom purple Ridell 965 Minx skates with PowerDyne DynaPro plates, Atom 59mm 88A Juke wheels and abec 9 bearings! For protection, I prefer the Smith Scabs knee pads, Triple 8 elbow pads, S-One damage control wrist guards and my purple helmet by R.E.D.

What's your non-derby life like?
In my professional life, I work for the world’s largest pharmaceutical company. I’m also an artist. About a year ago I had an art studio inside the Park Trades Center in downtown Kalamazoo, where I sold my paintings and art at the monthly Art Hops. I closed my studio after 3 years to pursue one of my many passions, photography. I love taking photos and capturing the beauty of the moment. My camera goes where I go, except on the track while I have skates on!

Do you serve on any KDD committees? I'm on the marketing committee.

Represent’s words of wisdom:
I like to carry one of those big truck stop chocolate chip cookies in my pocket while I skate, if it’s still in one piece when I’m done skating, I’m not hitting hard enough! It’s all about pushing your limits as far as you think you can and then pushing past that… eating nothing but saturated fats and sugars help too!

Visit me on Facebook!