Why did you join junior roller derby?

My sisters both play on the adult league and they really liked it so i decided to try it out. I came to a practice and loved it.

How did you choose your derby name and number?

I thought of my name, Khloe Karsmashian, because I really like Khloe Kardashian. So I switched out “dash” with “smash”. My number, 16, was my volleyball number when I played in middle school.

What is your favorite thing about roller derby?

Honestly, I love everything about roller derby but if i had to choose one thing it would be hitting. I really like being able to hit people and not get in trouble for it and get some aggression out.

What is your favorite position to play?

My favorite position is jamming because I love the feeling that I get when i get through the pack as lead and everyone’s cheering.

What’s one derby moment you will never forget?

At my last game I played i was jamming when  the girl in front of me fell and i tumbled over her. I did three somersaults, popped up, continued skating, and got through the pack, getting lead jammer.

Any pre-game rituals?

No, not really. I just keep thinking to myself that my team is going to win, we’re the best, and I will do my best as captain! Just positive thoughts.

What do you feel you and your team could work on?

I think my team and I need a little more work on being louder when communicating in the pack and having better jammer awareness.

What do you think you and your team have progressed in?

I think my team and I have gotten more comfortable around each other and working better as a team.

What are your goals for next season?

1-To get more girls and recruit more!
2-Become a better skater, blocker, and jammer.
3-To work on communication and jammer awareness.

How do you plan on staying fit during the off season?

I plan on staying fit by taking gym class in school, going to open skate at the roller rink, and PLANK, PLANK, PLANK!!!!

What do you believe is the biggest misconception about derby?

One of the biggest misconceptions i have hear is, “oh that’s where you punch people” or “throw each other over railings”

How do people react when they find out you play roller derby?

People’s general reaction when they find out i play roller derby is , no way your too small, you look like a cheerleader.

Have you played in any other sports besides roller derby?

I played soccer growing up from 5-15 and then i tried cheerleading for a season, i played lacrosse my junior year of high school, and wrestled on the all boys league my senior year. After high school i didn’t play any sports for a year until i started roller derby.

What is your definition of team?

My definition of team is one cohesive unit that moves together and protects each other on the track. There is NO I in team, the quicker you learn that the more of an effective part of the team you become.

If you could change any rule what would it be and why?

No penalties… kidding!!! But it would probably be the rule that the opposing jammer can skate backwards to the front of the pack after hitting the other jammer, forcing the other jammer to get sucked back in by the opposing team, before making their initial pass!!

How has derby affected your life positively or negatively?

Derby has affected my life positively by giving me an outlet, for anger and aggression. It has allowed me to be empowered by all the other powerful ladies on the track. It has helped mold me into a more responsible person, (ex. attending functions and practices) as well as to mature and work with others effectively. i don’t think roller derby has impacted me negatively it really helps me focus my aggression in a positive manner. as well as meet all my lovely team mates.

What advice would you give to future horrors or frightmares?

Advice i would give future horrors or fright mares, keep it moving, challenge yourself every practice, aspire to improve and believe that you can. If you don’t get a certain skill or drill practice it, we aren’t all perfect at everything that’s what we practice is for. Believe you can do it and you will!! Most importantly, don’t over THINK!!! Your body will get the hang of the weird new positions!!! try out and prove to yourself how awesome you really are!!! Be your own “cheerleader”!!

How did you create your derby name?

I created my derby name by going through my playlist and listening to the band woe is me.

How did you hear about roller derby?

I never heard about roller derby until I saw a movie in block buster called Whip It, and later on my Uncle knew a roller derby girl and.went to a game and I saw the Frightmares and wanted to join.

What has been your most memorable moment?

My most memorable moment was when the Frightmares went down to Brooklyn and played against the Gotham girls with only 6 players.

How do people react when they find out you play roller derby?

Peoples reactions when they found out I play roller derby are surprised and amazed, most of the time i have to explain to them what roller derby is.

What is your goal in roller derby?

My goal in roller derby is to make it on the Hudson Valley Horrors.

Who gives you the most support to be the best player possible?

My mom and coaches Hitz and Tera, give me the most support to be the best player possible.

How do you plan to stay active during the off season?

I plan on going to the gym and doing out door skating to stay active during off season.

What is your favorite position to play?

My favorite position to play is blocker, you get so much adrenaline and anger it makes the game more fun for me.

What has been your biggest challenge while playing roller derby?

I think the biggest challenge of the game is having to play offense and defense at the same time.  There is no other sport where you have to do that.  It means having to be hyper aware of what is going on around you and being able to switch your mindset from kill, kill to help, help – lol.

How did you think of your name “Pinky Swears”?

That was one of the names that a former Horror, Scarlet Bloodletter was tossing around for her own name. I heard it and said, oh that is perfect for me because I turn bright pink when I laugh or skate or do anything, I can keep a secret (I have a few that will go to the grave with me) and I have a bit of a potty mouth.

What keeps you motivated to play your hardest?

My teammates… I never want to feel like I am letting them down.

On the track you have played every position. Which position is your favorite and why?

That’s a tough one because you learn from all of them.  You learn to be a better blocker when you jam and vice versa.  I believe that what is important is understanding your role when you hit the track, no matter what your position is.

How did you get involved in roller derby?

I was telling a co-worker that I called one of the rinks in the area to see if they had roller derby or would be willing to host a league.  She told me she had a friend that was starting a league. I was super psyched and asked her to find out the information for their first practice date .  I showed up, met Rxy Ramalotte and Rough Gem and I never looked back 🙂

What is the last movie you watched?

I don’t get to watch movies all that often anymore, I get too sucked in to shows like Dexter, Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, Downton Abbey and Glee.

The Horrors play on a flat track. Have you ever skated on a banked track? If yes, which track do you like better and why?

I have not, but it is on the bucket list.

What advice do you have for the Frightmares, who inspire to be just like the Horrors?

Skate hard and skate often but find other activities you like to do too, whether it’s soccer, dancing, snowboarding, etc.  This is a tough sport and cross-training is super important.

To fans it’s not always clear why we choose some of our names. What does your name, Tera Joules, mean and why did you choose it?

I knew right off the bat that I wanted a science name. I was really leaning towards the name “entropy” which means disorder and chaos in the universe, but it was taken. Then I thought killa Joules would’ve been funny and fantastic, but when I found out THAT was taken I wanted a name bigger and better (literally) so I went with Tera as a prefix, which means a TRILLION!!! and Joules, which is a unit of energy. I was 100% decided on that once I realized lightning was measured in Tera Joules 🙂

Your number, 7e12, isn’t just a random number. What does it mean?

Before we became a WFTDA league my number was 7×10^12, 7 being my favorite number and 10^12 being a trillion in scientific notation. Once I had to cut it to 4 characters I just changed it to how you would type it in a calculator. Nerd status!

As head of the Jr League you have a lot of girls who aspire to be just like you. How do the Frightmares inspire you?

They inspire me in so many ways! They are young and have so much potential ahead of them. I push to skate harder, play smart, and be tough because I expect no less from them. They inspire me to be the best player I can be and an excellent off track role model. I care about them in all that they do, I’ve even tutored one girl in chemistry! I know that there are some pretty crappy role models out there so I aspire to be the best for them. Every decision I make I think about them. I feel like a mother hen sometimes!

What made you want to play a full contact sport instead of a non-contact sport?

I was actually terrified to play a full contact sport that involved wheels being strapped to my feet. I knew I was aggressive and competitive so I worked my butt off to get my skill to that level. Non-contact sports don’t give you THAT feeling. Its empowering and makes me feel stronger than I ever had both mentally and physically.

Besides being such an awesome skater, do you have any hidden talents?

Well if I told you they wouldn’t be hidden, would they? I drive a standard (because I like control!) and most people don’t know that.

When you get really tired in a game, what helps you to keep pushing and stay motivated to play hard?

I just remember that people are depending on me. I can do anything for two minutes. If I can’t, there’s 13 other people on that bench I’m letting down. That’s unacceptable to me. I push through for my team, because they do the same for me.

What do you think is most important for a newer skater to learn?

Edges!!! I cannot emphasize it enough!! Edges are everything; they are balance, agility, control, and the key to staying on your feet. Ask any Frightmare or fresh meat- they would be millionaires if they got a $1 for every time I preached about edges when coaching.

What has been your greatest accomplishment in derby?

Winning the first WFTDA sanctioned game EVER vs Harrisburg at ECDX last year. At the end of the game we all cried and hugged in a circle for about 5 minutes. It was the epitome of everything we had worked for and to see all that hard work pay off was PRICELESS. I will never forget that moment

What is your goal for the 2013 season?

My goal this season is to push myself the hardest I can in any drill, game, or practice I participate in. I want to always push past that voice in my head saying give up and prove i can go farther and harder!

If you could change anything about roller derby what would it be?

I would shorten the amount of time in the penalty box because when your in the box one minute feels like forever, and it sucks just sitting there feeling helpless.

What is one of your pet peeves?

Unnecassary clapping! I know it sounds strange but i hate when people clap for no reason and my little sister and brother do it all the time.

What are you afraid of?

I’m terrified of the dark! I hate not being able to see or know whats around me.

Besides roller derby, what sports have you played?

I’ve played soccer, basketball, and field hockey.

Whats the hardest thing to do in roller derby?

Staying low at all times is hard. I always feel like I’m low and then I watch footage from games and realize I was nowhere near as low as I should have been.

What is one thing you were surprised to learn about roller derby?

I was shocked when I found out how many penalties there were. I always thought you skated and hit but there is a lot of rules you must follow to make a hit legal or to earn points with a legal pass.

If you could have one superpower what would it be?

I would love to be able to read minds!

What made you decide to join roller derby?

I was looking to do something active. My sister had joined Steel City Derby Demons the year before, so I looked to see what was available near me. I love roller skating – as I’ve skated since I was 4. It was a perfect fit.

What has been your most memorable moment in derby so far?

Every time I play is memorable. I especially enjoyed the game last summer with LIRR. There was this one jam in which I took the jammer out twice with two very memorable hits. The first from a standstill, the second … well there is a picture online of that one …

How did you choose your derby name?

I am a techie – Daemons are the processes that run in the background of the Linux operating system, getting things done. Daemons are also referenced in Plato’s writings, as Godlings, not quite mortal, not quite Divine. I am a web designer, also commonly called web master …  feminize that and you end up with Mistress.

What would you say is your biggest fear in and out of derby?

Derby is all about facing down fear. I don’t think I will ever be entirely comfortable jumping my teammates. Outside of derby, my fears are mainly related to my children, as I want the best for them.

What is one thing you want to accomplish in your life?

I would love to own my own business someday.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I spend some time visualizing success in doing whatever skills I am working on and that I want to bring to the game.

Any hidden talents?

Many. But they wouldn’t be hidden if I told every one.

What is your favorite part about roller derby?

I love working with my teammates. I love the strategy.

What movie could you watch over and over and not get sick of?

Just about any James Bond movie.

What is your favorite book?

Sassinak by Anne McCaffrey

What has been your favorite bout? Why?

Skating in the cold up in Ithaca. Our managers were awesome, the other team was friendly as hell, and one of their jammers told our managers that I was her “nemesis” all night long, not letting her get past me on the inside line. After finding out what nemesis meant, (yeah I didn’t know!),  I was thrilled to be acknowledged that way.

What is your most memorable derby moment?

While jamming in our meat grinder with the Hellions of Troy, I knocked the other jammer down on the line and got lead jammer. Then I was sent to the box for a penalty, and even after serving my time, I still scored 18 points.

What celebrity would you want to be friends with?

Ellen Degeneres. She always makes me laugh and she seems to be straight up with what she says and believes in. Her honesty and confidence in herself is inspiring as hell.

What movie(s) can you watch over and over and never get sick of?

Alice in Wonderland, The Trial of Billy Jack, Braveheart, and Saving Private Ryan

What was the first pair of wheels you owned?

Probably wooden ones!! Seriously, they were some of the first polyurethane wheels that came out in the late 60’s-early 70’s.

What inspired you to join roller derby?

I wanted to do it as a kid, but roller derby died out by the time I got old enough to play on a team. When I found out derby was alive again, and there was a team right here in the Hudson Valley, I couldn’t wait to join even though it had been 35 years since I last skated.

How did you come up with your name?

One of my aliases is Snail and I wanted to somehow use it. So one of my teammates, Pin-Up Ghoul actually helped me.

Who is your favorite derby player?

Lacerated. It’s exciting to watch her skate with such speed and grace, and all the while, fooling her opponents with her intoxicating smile. I like seeing the shock on their faces when she jumps around them or hits them with all her might, proving that she’s not just another pretty face on the track, but someone who knows and loves the game, and with the ability to be an awesome athlete.

What do you think is the biggest misconception fans have about roller derby?

That all derby players are angry women, needing to prove something. While every sport has players who need to prove something, we also have happy, teachers, nurses, professional business women, students, mothers, sisters, aunts, and grandmothers, all who want to just play a full contact sport.

How did you come up with your name?

I was always stopping, collaborating, and/or listening.

What is your day job?

Lyrical poet.

What made you tryout for derby?

My burning desire to cook derby girls like a pound o’ bacon.

Whats the last movie you watched?

One with police on the scene-you know what I mean?

What is your biggest fear?

Harpoons, especially ones that flow daily AND nightly.

Do you have a favorite band?? Who?

I go crazy when I hear a cymbal.

What do you want your derby legacy to be?

Waxin chumps like candles, slicing like a ninja, cutting like a
razor blade, keeping my composure when it’s time to get loose, etc.

If you could come up with your own derby move what would you call it?

“Poisonous Mushroom” or “Too Cold”

What’s the best thing that has come from joining roller derby?

Getting to be a part of a sport that I love doing and having teammates who I know I could depend on for anything, on and off the track.

How did you choose your name?

I had an awful time coming up with a name, couldn’t find anything clever or special enough. Then one day I was talking to another skater who suggested it and it just stuck. I did throw in the K to personalize it however.

Do you have any fears?

Being alone in the dark in an unfamiliar place.

What would you like your derby legacy to be?

It’s my goal to become such an effective blocker that the other teams fear me.

Any hidden talents?

Claw machine wizard.

What’s your best derby memory?

My first away bout, we were playing upstate, outside and it was freezing and we only had two vet skaters to look to for guidance. By the end of the first half we were losing badly and some of us were looking pretty miserable and feeling unsure of ourselves. Then during halftime we had this amazing pep talk and it gave us a confidence boost that helped us pull it together in the second half. We didn’t win, but we broke 50 points and that was enough to make everyone happy, like truly happy. Being able to celebrate my team’s own, little victory was far more important than the score.

Any pet peeves?

Lack of common courtesy and people who chew loudly.

What is your dream job?

Getting paid to play roller derby would be amazing, but realistically I would love do sound effects for cartoons or to be a part of the production crew for a hit movie.

Derby or non derby related, who is your hero and why?

Probably my father. In spite of great adversity, the likes of which would make most bitter and angry, he lives a life of integrity, honesty, kindness and selflessness. He beat the odds. And, we Horrors always love the underdog!

Who do you think is your biggest fan?

Probably my father for this one, too! The Horrors aren’t the only ones who love an underdog 🙂

What advice would you give to women or girls interested in playing derby (horrors or frightmares)?

Fear is a liar. Don’t let fear stop you from trying. And don’t ever say it’s not worth trying because you’ll never be as good as Bonnie Thunders or Suzy Hotrod or whomever. Remember that those ladies were once beginners, too.

Whats your favorite thing about the Horrors?

We are a small league – it’s hard to have a successful and competitive team when so much energy has to be spent in just running the day-to-day operations. We face more of an uphill battle than other city-based leagues who have tons of members and ladies tripping over themselves to join. Yet in spite of that disadvantage, the majority of our skaters are truly team-minded – they understand that it may take us longer to grow and win, but they believe we’ll get there – through group effort, small successes and mutual respect, no matter how long it takes. And, no one here needs to be a super star – individual glory is insignificant to our skaters if not linked with team success. It’s the team that matters!

Besides the skates, gear, and derby name, what truly defines a roller derby player?

Her heart. Her conviction. Her dedication. Her team.

A genie gives you 3 wishes, what do you wish for?

#1: For every woman on our league, when feeling insecure or doubtful, to be able to see how *truly* remarkable and fierce they are!
#2: For derby players to be paid like our male counterparts in other sports. We should be banking like Derek Jeter for all this blood, sweat and tears!
#3: Access to skating and practice (and the endurance training of our speed coaches, Tony and Sue) 24/7!

What is your worst habit?

I swear like a <BLEEPING> sailor.

What is your goal for the 2013 season?

I’d love to see us take our game up a notch. But, I believe that is more of a certainty than a goal 😉 GO HORRORS

“No way we can scrimmage now” was pretty much all that went through my head after I passed my basic skills test this June. Derby has been part of my life for quite some time now but it took me a while to get where I am today…

Last season I signed up to be fresh meat with the Hudson Valley Horrors. My love for derby started in Philly when I used to volunteer with the  Philly roller girls there but when I moved back to NY I knew I had to actually skate…or learn how to skate at least. So I tried out, and found out a few days later I needed surgery. So I spent a month on a bench watching every practice absorbing as much I could, dying with anticipation to actually skate. At six weeks my doctor cleared me to finally skate! I skated my little heart out but when it came time for basic skills test I just couldn’t pull off the infamous 6 laps in 1 minute. My endurance just wasn’t there…which meant I needed to come back to tryout again months later.

Although this bursted my derby bubble, my teammates were so amazing and encouraging I came back with a vengeance and started fresh meat round two. This time I was ready but when I realized I had actually passed my test this time I was busting at the seams. And from that point on all I wanted to do was scrimmage!

We started off slowly scrimmaging with each other, then mixing in the vets amongst us at practice and I realized I was finally playing derby. Every practice I was excited to learn new things and have people hit me as hard as they could. Soon came time for our first “meat grinder” where we played all the new fresh meat graduates against each other for friends and family. It finally sank in, there is so much to remember! No matter how often your teammates explain to you this idea of “blender head” when you first start to play you don’t realize what that means until you have to keep an eye on the jammers, other blockers, pull off hits and try to help out your teammates. Although I was out of my element I knew I wanted more!

Recently I had my first scrimmage against another team and that was a totally different experience in itself. We went up to Troy to play the Hellions and I was nervous but ready to go. Skating in a different location against teammates that weren’t my own was all new to me. I was unsure what to expect but once game time started there wasn’t very much time to over analyze it. I played as best I could trying not to question my abilities but letting my teammates guide me through strategies.

The more I scrimmage the more I realize in derby you need to adapt…quick. There isn’t much time for you to get comfortable. You need to be able to adjust to new environments, different strategies, different teams and be confident in your skills and your teammates.

I am so lucky to have derby in my life and I can’t wait to experience the next chapter in it’s ever changing stages…September 22^nd I get to skate in my first official bout with the zomBsquad in an away game. I am so thrilled to have my teammates and managers talk me through my first bout and be a part of a team like the Hudson Valley Horrors, derby really does change lives.

– Bonnie Black Block #1999

What sparked your interest in roller derby?

I always wanted to play full contact sports but was told that they weren’t for ladies. Roller derby allowed me to be full contact and aggressive while showcasing femininity. I wanted to prove that women can be strong and tough and still have sugar and spice and stuff.

What has been your best derby moment?

I’d have to say that my moment is ongoing because training the Frightmares are my fave derby times. I enjoy teaching the kids how to play, being a role model and positive influence on our young ladies is important. I like to think I show them that it’s okay not to fit into the box and if they really want something/anything they can have it but they have to work for it. I sure wish roller derby was an option when I was a kid!

What is something your fans would be shocked to know about you?

Well, I won’t be playing the rest of the 2012 season because I’m Pregnant! Me and Suitor #1 are expecting a demon spawn. But, fans shouldn’t worry because I’ll be around at the rest of the 2012 games and plan to be back on the track and post baby angry mid-season 2013!

If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I can’t choose one place, I’d like to move around a lot and make frequent visits back to NY 🙂

How many tattoos do you have? Any of them derby related?

I have a few tattoos, one is derby.

How did you create your derby name

It was totally on the fly. I wanted to be Roxi Rumbles but twoevils rejected it and I couldn’t get in contact with the skater who had a similar name. So Ramalotte was chosen because I like to hit people 🙂 and i like to do it a lot. I don’t have a clear recollection of how Rxy got to be spelled this way but i do know there was an altercation with the letter o, and the 666 part came later- Hail Satan! 🙂

Do you have any pregame rituals?

Two days before, hydration begins. Drink. Drink. Drink. I also try to clear my mind of roller derby completely, I know how to play, I have the skills I’m going to have on gameday, and it doesn’t do me any good to stress out about who that team played and who won etc etc. One day before I drink more water, a B Monster smoothie, and eat some carbs for dinner. On gameday I wear Nike Pro Combat under-stuff, decide on what if any war paint I’ll be wearing, and stay calm. I try to eat hard boiled eggs, salads, and bananas or oranges or apples or whatever fruit our bout committee has provided in our locker room before we play.

Who are your three favorite bands?

My taste in music is super random, at any moment it could be totally different and I skip almost every song on my ipod. So, I’d never be able to say who my fave bands are but I can say who the last 3 artists I didn’t skip were (as of this mornings car ride). Jimi Hendrix, NoFx, and The Beatles.