• Tweet
• Sharebar

• Tweet

Derby Name:  STEFCON 1 #w00t

Derby Team:   Los Angeles Derby Doll’s All-Star Team, The L.A. Ri-Ettes  and I will always be a Tough Cookie.

Occupation: Marketing Automation Manager for a computer forensic/e-discovery software company (I’d rather be skating J)

How long have you been skating?  Started Roller Derby in December 2007.

Why did you get involved in roller derby?  I was too competitive for recreational adult kickball and always wanted to play a contact sport.  I’m too short for volleyball and not patient enough for golf.

How often do you practice?  5 – 8 hours on skates per week, 1 – 3 hours outside endurance/yoga/strength training (trying to find more time for this but work gets in the way)

What Pads do you use?  187 Killer Pads – Pro Knee with McDavid Multi Action Knee Straps underneath (I don’t have knee problems and want to keep it that way so I add a little support).

What Helmet do you use?  S-One, the Official Helmet Partner of the Derby Dolls since 2009.  I miss using their Non-Certified OG Helmet with the Premium DLX terry liner (I sweat a lot).  But I am happy and feel safe in the Lifter CPSC Helmet – it doesn’t sit high on my head like other hard foam helmets.  And I love wearing my Under Amour Skull Wrap underneath – I sweat right through bandanas.

What skates do you use?  Riedell Siren 1065 with Reactor Plates and Magic Cushions – Orange; Atom Wheels – Juke 2.0 Alloy (93A); Cheezeballs Precision Skate Bearing – Swiss. (I love gear).

Where did your nick name come from?  Picking a skate name is the hardest part of this sport.  I really liked Tyra Durden but I don’t like being called by another woman’s name.  I thought about Effin Awesome, but that’s not who I am.  Sadly, Stef Leppard was already taken.  But it made me think of other Def things like DEFCON … which fits my nerdy-tech-gamer side and being a Stephanie.

What is your favourite part about being a Roller girl?   I get to be aggressive, strong and beautiful all at the same time with others just like me.

Any top tips for up and coming Derby Superstars?  Always listen to your coaches and trainers.  Even if you don’t agree with what they are saying, you should make an effort to do what they are telling you (if even just for that practice).  It might spark something that really helps your game or form.   In the end you will develop your own style and approach to roller derby, but there is always something you can learn for others.  Also, don’t dream about becoming a “superstar” – become the player everyone wants on their team (a skater with a good attitude, work ethic, and a derby IQ).