Roller derby name and number: Stocky Balboa, #170
Roller derby position – on the track (and why):I’m a blocker. I take up the track space jammers want to get by, and I like to run into things (or people).
Roller derby position – off the track (and why): I’ve been president of GRR since July 2010 and a founding board member. I am passionate about GRR, my wonderful league mates, and making us a force to reckon with on and off the track. I also like paperwork and forms. When I was 8 and other kids were playing “house,” I played “office” with a stapler, calculator and old typerwriter in tow.
How long have you been playing roller derby for GRR? Since January 9, 2008. I had an 18 month break after some surgery, but I never stopped helping or being involved in some capacity.
How did you come up with your name and number? I’m built like a teapot. And I love the story of the underdog who never quits and triumphs at the end. That’s epitomized by Rocky Balboa. Rocky doesn’t beat Apollo Creed in the first movie, but few people remember that because he’s so kick ass. By Rocky IV he’s fighing in the USSR and has a robot butler. My number, 170, is half of Gotham’s Bonnie Thunder’s number, 340. She’s a phenomenal athlete and my derby hero. So, if I could be half as good as Bonnie Thunders, I’d be happy.
Do you have any pre- or post-bout rituals? Home Bouts: I watch whatever the most recent Gotham bout was. I get pumped with some crazy dancing to a mix of 80’s rock and 90’s rap. Then, I get in the car and go to Ichiban Sushi alone. I eat a veggie roll, a sweet potato roll and drink tea. I go home, try to find a matching pair of socks, then rush over to Skate Station. If it’s an away bout, it usually involves carpooling with Rage-rienne. That means that we’re going to Arby’s and eating Publix cookies in the car, while making GRR business plans.
What is your favorite thing about playing roller derby for GRR? We have a core of really dedicated players that have a similar vision for GRR – being on the same page about our goals is one of our strengths. Also, I love practicing new strategy. The first few times will be a hot mess. LeBrawn will say, “Let’s fix it.” Then we figure it out and own it.
What is your most memorable GRR roller derby experience? It seems like each away bout, especially the ones out-of-state, tops the next. We’ll leave it at that.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? McFadden and Whitehead’s “Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.”
Aside from roller derby, what are you passionate about? I have an affinity for gardening. I also have a crush on Dana John Hill, the dude from WUFT FM.
What would GRR fans be surprised to know about you? That I LOVE going to Walt Disney World and weddings.
What makes you a Rebel? I’m not shy.
Likes: Oprah, Canadians, well-crafted humor, and pistachio flavored foods.
Dislikes: Bad customer service, poor listeners, running out of toilet paper, and ringworm.
Guilty pleasures: White Russians and Essie Nail Polish.
Learn more about Stocky Balboa on her profile!
