Yankee Scandal
#978
How many seasons have you been skating with the DC Rollergirls, and for which teams?
I’ve been skating with DCRG since 2009. I was a Cherry Blossom Bombshell for 5 seasons and a DC DemonCat for 2 seasons. I’ve been on the All Stars since the 2011 season (with one season off in 2013).
How and why did you first get involved in roller derby?
I saw an article about derby in the Arizona Republic when I lived in Phoenix in 2005. I saw my first bout that night and was absolutely captivated. When I moved to MA in 2006, I became a ref for the Boston Derby Dames and when I moved to DC in 2009, I started bootcamp with the intent to return to reffing, but opted to start skating as a player instead.
What was your athletic background before learning how to play derby?
I played field hockey all through high school. In 2006 I joined my mom and sister in taking Shotokan Karate. I quit after I advanced to yellow belt because while I was ok at kata (forms), I was horrible at sparring (I hated having to hit other people) and it seemed silly to be learning karate but unable to practice it.
What’s the story behind your derby name?
I’m from Massachusetts, and I wanted a name that would seem local and identify me as a New Englander. It’s a play on Yankee Candle.
What traditions or rituals do you have before skating in a bout?
Part media consumption, part food consumption. Before games I like watching Predator and the episode of “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia” where the gang is in a dance contest. On the morning of a game I eat a bout day breakfast with a grilled blueberry muffin and some ice coffee. I like wearing ribbons in my hair on bout day (I think it makes me look fast—same with wearing a skirt).
What’s your favorite DCRG memory?
When the Bombshells broke the Scare Force winning streak in 2013—I think it was the Bombshells’ first victory against them since that double overtime game I’d volunteered at in 2009.
