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Skater of the Month – Malocchia

1. Derby name & number: Malocchia (The Italian Evil Eye) #202 for 2016. 2020 since 2011.
2. Real name: Mary Moccia
3. Significance of derby name/#: It was the most intimidating thing I could think of when thinking of a derby name. When you “knock on wood” you are trying to ward me off. The evil eye used to have 20/20 vision but the numbers wouldn’t fit anymore 🙁
4. Age: 41
5. Position you play: Blocker/QB. I’m usually setting up strategies when I’m in a lineup and focusing everyone in our common goal.
6. How long have you been skating? July 2011
7. How did you join derby? I just put on my big girl panties and showed up to SIDR’s first ever recruitment. I was petrified but I wanted it.
8. What do you like most about derby? I absolutely love the physicality of it. I’m no ones Mommy out on the track.
9. Greatest strength on or off the track. I think it’s my sense of calm and my communication. I’m pretty level headed and with the fast pace of derby you have to be focused.
10. Derby injuries: My magical dislocating shoulder makes an appearance from time to time. Much to my teammates horror. Currently a nerve impingement in my leg is really pissing me off.
11. Favorite derby memory: there are so many but I would have to highlight our win over Philly Cheeseskates. We put our heads down and focused as a team. Still gives me chills.
12. Favorite foods/drinks: I’m Italian. What don’t I like?
13. Anyone you look up to in the derby world? Suzy Hotrod will always be my derby crush for her tenacity and badass coaching style. Mick Swagger for her heart and grit. Sexy Slaydie is a beast. Gotham skaters seem to top my list since I was learning derby while watching them.
14. Who inspires you the most from your league? Bitesize Brawler is tireless and has the heart of a lion. We’ve been Captains together for the past 2 Revolution seasons and she is always researching opponents and ways to up our derby level. ❤️
15. Who is the most challenging player you experienced? My own teammates can be pretty damn challenging. Going up against Savage, Queenie and Dynamite can definitely make one question their own sanity from time to time.
16. Do you play any other sports besides Roller derby? I play working, Mom of 4 everyday. It’s quite exhausting.
17. What personal advice would you give young derby beginners? I’m SIDR’s recruitment manager so I talk a great deal to new skaters. I tell anyone new to derby, no matter what their age to not worry about what anyone else is doing. Focus on bettering your own skills and get skates on your feet whenever possible. A few hours a week at practice isn’t enough. Skate outside. Skate inside. Skate while vacuuming. Skate in your driveway. Skate. Skate. Skate.
18. When and what occasion was a specific moment you felt like you really had to push yourself even harder? Once when we were playing in NJ, I was witnessing my team not play as a unit and up to our potential. I had to dig down past feeling angry and be a leader to reunite my team.
19. Hobbies outside of derby: I love a good Ranger game. Dating my husband is my favorite thing to do.
20. Quote: “Just do it!”