Roller derby name and number: Atomic Mel-Down #U-235

Roller derby position – on the track (and why): I’m a blocker because I’m good at filling the space the jammer thought was there a second ago and I love to knock down a grown woman on skates.

Roller derby position – off the track (and why): Secretary of the league because I love all my GRRls and want to do all I can for them.

How long have you been playing roller derby for GRR? I started summer 2010, so about half a year.

How did you come up with your name and number? Well, I’m a bit of a science nerd, and my name is Mel, and U-235 is the isotope of uranium that can sustain a fission chain reaction. See, it all works.

Do you have any pre- or post-bout rituals? The first thing I do after a bout is grab a beer.

What is your favorite thing about playing roller derby for GRR? It may be a tie between hanging out with some of the greatest women I’ve ever met and constantly learning new ways to use my body to do awesome things.

What is your most memorable GRR roller derby experience? I once took the jammer line at a bout and as the announcer said my name, I could hear our entire bench screaming for me in front of me and my husband screaming for me behind me. It was magic.

If your roller derby alter-ego had a theme song, what would it be? “Atomic Baby” by Amos Milburn.

Aside from roller derby, what are you passionate about? Peace, love, and equality. Also anything vintage or with some history behind it.

What would GRR fans be surprised to know about you? I’m a hairstylist.

What makes you a Rebel? I work hard, love the team, and value sportsmanship.

Likes: Using physics to my advantage over smaller and/or taller players and using stategy over bigger and/or shorter players.

Dislikes: Getting kicked in the shin.

Guilty pleasures: Dubbed Asian TV shows.

Click here to read more about Atomic Mel-Down on her profile.