Roller derby name and number: LeBrawn Maimes #23
Roller derby position – on the track (and why): Jammer – because nothing gets my adrenaline going like juking and ducking girls 3 times my size who are trying to smash me.
Roller derby position – off the track (and why): Captain – because our team is seriously on the rise and I wanted to help us train as hard and effectively as possible to ensure continued success. Also, not only do I have a passion for strength and conditioning, but I really enjoy telling people what to do so the captain position is a good fit.
How long have you been playing roller derby for GRR? Right around 10 months.
How did you come up with your name and number? Due to the uncanny resemblance I share with the “other” LeBron it was an obvious choice. Jussst kidding. I wanted to go with a play on a famous athlete’s name and LeBron is just such a baller. I also kind of love his swagger. It’s light-hearted and in my opinion, a perfect alter ego for a jammer.
Do you have any pre- or post-bout rituals? Outside of roller derby I’m a sport psychologist so part of my pre-bout routine is to use imagery to get psyched up and focused. Post-bout you can find me with a 32 ounce beer in one hand and a grilled cheese in the other.
What is your favorite thing about playing roller derby for GRR? Playing roller derby has been such a unique experience that it’s hard for me to pick one favorite thing. Being a part of GRR has meant that at the end of a long hard day at work I get to slip on a pair of roller skates and play an extremely challenging sport with a truly amazing group of women. At every practice we knock each other down, laugh together, compare bruises, and work our assess off to make one another better. Honestly, I love every minute of it.
What is your most memorable GRR roller derby experience? It’s a close tie between after-party beach pyramids in Fort Walton after my first bout and getting MVP jammer against Bradentucky at the same time Atomic Mel-Down got MVP blocker. We graduated from fresh meat together so it was kind of a special moment.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? “Hate It or Love It” by The Game
Aside from roller derby, what are you passionate about? Promoting healthy lifestyles. When I’m not playing the derby I work with older adults to prevent and reduce disability through exercise. I love being a part of research that empowers older adults and actually changes lives. I’m all about being physically active and I’m constantly trying to find new ways to challenge myself physically.
What would GRR fans be surprised to know about you? I’m totally a crier at weddings. I just can’t help it. I see the bride and on come the water works. I’m super tough at all other times though.
What makes you a Rebel? I will fight passionately for what I believe in and the people I care about. I will not be intimidated.
Likes: Cheeseburgers, puppies, wolfpacks, plaid, 40s, Lil Wayne, and jumping through holes you didn’t even know were there
Dislikes: Snakes, cartwheels, pickles, sleeves, poorly aimed can openers, posterior cruciate ligaments, and shape-ups
Guilty pleasures: Celine Dion and Five Guys cheeseburgers…preferably at the same time.