Featured Cadet: Sharon

Posted: September 8, 2018 by amievirus in Featured Cadet

Tells us a bit about yourself. Do you have kids, what is your career, do you have pets, etc.?

I have a 5 year old daughter named Sophia. I have a dog who was named Copper, but my daughter couldn’t say it, so now he’s Popper. I work at Stony Brook scheduling for radiology testing. I am also in school to become an TH.

When did you join SIDR?

About a year ago.

How did you first hear about us, and what led you to want to become an SIDR skater or Ref?

I went to a bout years ago, and J-block asked if I wanted to try out. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to make it work while having a newborn and all. I attended a few bouts over the years, and now that my life is in order, I decided to look into joining.

What was your bootcamp recruitment experience like?

Basically I tried my best and tried to do everything he coaches asked.

What have you found to be the most challenging aspect of derby so far?

Getting nervous!!! I compare myself to others too much, and I get nervous when people watch me.

What has derby done for you both physically and mentally?

I’m proud of myself. Even when I get stuck in my head comparing myself to others, I can usually turn it around by thinking about how far I’ve come.

What are your derby goals?

PASS SKILLS AND BE A JAMMER!!! But in reality, I need to improve on my laterals and transitions—those are more realistic goals at this point.

What quote helps you to get through challenging times in order for your to push yourself to reach your goals?

Screw it, just get it done. And I have to say, at practice there are a few coaches who help me push through. I get nervous. I know I’m not that great, but they don’t treat me that way, and it makes me feel like they believe I can do it. If they think that, then who am I to think otherwise!

Based on your experience, what advice would you give someone who is brand new to derby?

The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you were at the last practice. Realize how far you’ve come and be proud of yourself. There are people who haven’t even made it as far as you have. That, and stop looking down.

Did Sharon’s story inspire you to try roller derby?

We are having a recruitment bootcamp on September 8th – Skaters, Refs, and Officials wanted! Register here

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