How long have you been involved in roller derby, and how did you first hear about the sport?

I started “fresh meat” in 2017 having never put skates on my feet. I think I first heard of the sport from Whip It, but it came to mind when I moved to a new place and was looking to join a sport. It just had such a welcoming, inclusive vibe. 

When you're not at derby training, what could we find you doing on a normal day?

Tearing my hair out trying to inspire the next generation of mathematicians. I teach in a high school, which is exhausting but very rewarding. Otherwise I’m at home living out my lifelong destiny of being a crazy cat lady 

How did you come up with your derby name?

I was waiting around before a meeting with my colleagues and someone started talking about baby names. I had been excitedly telling work about derby right from the get-go so the conversation quickly switched to derby names. I explained the parameters -puns, innuendos, interests etc and we came up with Nail ‘Er Swift. I’d never exactly been secretive about my love of Tay Tay either. 

What's an interesting thing about you that's NOT roller derby related?

I don’t know about interesting, but I’m really good at cryptic crosswords. I have a regular zoom date with one of my friends where we nerd out over the Saturday crossword together. 

What is a roller derby goal you are working towards right now?

Developing a strategic plan for the travel team and coaching/captaining a killer team for upcoming tournaments. We have such a dedicated group of skaters at the moment and so I’m really excited.

Tell us about a tough moment you've overcome in derby, or when you've played a hard games in which you've accomplished some small goals.

The uncertainty and constant cancellations that have come with the Covid era have really made keeping the passion and drive for derby a real struggle. But focusing on short term goals helping level up the upcoming group of excellent skaters has helped me get my groove back 

Who do you nominate as our next WARDian of the Month?

Dixi - her smiling positive face is sooooo annoying when she’s on the opposite team, but she brings such a good vibe to training and she always gives drills her all.

Tiny - she does an amazing job not just with organising coaches but her own sessions are always so well thought out and helpful. She gives feedback in such a supportive and caring way.