Flower POW'her #EZ13

 

1. Tell us about your roller derby name, how did you come up with it?

Those who really know me understand my love of flowers and how I appreciate the beauty of nature.  Every flower has a power of it’s own and so do I!  That’s how “Flower POW’her” came to be.

2. Off the track, what kind of work do you do?

I’m a Certification Specialist with Pennsylvania Certified Organic.  I work with clients who are seeking organic certification for their processed food products through the USDA-National Organic Program so they can market and sell their products as “Organic”.  I also perform on-site facility audits for the Gluten Free Certification Organization.

3. Do you have any other hobbies besides roller derby?

I enjoy hiking, traveling, gardening, stargazing, eating local and organic foods, spending time with my children, and laughing with good friends.

4. What is your position while playing/participating, and how do *you* approach it?

Being a jammer is amazing and scary at the same time.  I really try and focus on everything happening on the track, which is not as easy as it sounds, especially when a blocker comes out of no-where and knocks you into the next universe (that’s the scary part!).

5. What drew you to roller derby?

Roller skating has been a part of my life from a young age.  My dad would take us kids skating every Sunday when I was growing up.  I learned to skate on a wooden rink floor to organ music!  Needless to say, I had not been on skates for about 20 years before attending a SCAR clinic, but as soon as I put those rental skates on…it all came back.  I could tell right away joining derby would be a great way to meet new people, become part of a philanthropic organization, and stay in great physical shape!

6. What’s one thing that you have learned from Derby that you are able to use in everyday life?

It’s OK if you don’t know EVERYTHING...and when you fall down, it’s best to get back up FAST and move FORWARD!!

7. What are your personal goals for the upcoming season?

Being so new to the game, just learning and understanding general strategies is a goal.

8. What’s the thing you love most about being a roller girl?

Volunteering in the community has always been a large part of my life here in Happy Valley and SCAR gives me a chance to expand on that.  It’s exciting to be a part of a very conscientious, charitable, professional organization where challenges are met and hard work pays off.

9. What is your athletic background?

In high school I played basketball, tennis, softball and participated in track field events.  In my early 30’s I enjoyed kick-boxing and in my late 30’s began playing on a volleyball team in a local adult league, which I sadly had to give up because the game times conflict with derby practice.  So…Derby is my 40’s sport!!

10. What was your most embarrassing SCAR moment?

Hahaha… I don’t think I’ve had any yet, but there are many opportunities for embarrassing moments in derby, however, I don’t embarrass very easily.

11. What would you tell a person who is thinking about coming to a SCAR Bout/trying out to ref or skate for SCAR/volunteering with SCAR?

I truly feel there is a place for everyone in SCAR derby.  It takes so many great people with vast areas of expertise to make bouts fun and the organization successful as a whole.

12. What equipment do you use? Skates? Wheels? Protective Gear? Must-Haves?

I use Riddell skates with envy hybrid slim wheels only because my derby hero (Mae B Nasty) has the same!  Protective gear is very important. I use a ProTec helmet to protect my noggin.  My pads are a combination of Killer 187’s and a pair of Skate Track kneepads my sister found for 25cents at a yard sale.  I would say thick skate laces and durable toe guards (thank you Hannah for my handmade felted flower guards!) are essentials.  I’ve shredded many laces while practicing falls.

13. What’s your personal slogan?

Work Hard and Play Harder

14. Who supports you in doing roller derby, and what would you say to them?

My daughters (Jewels & Lia), son (Gabe) and Dad are definitely my biggest fans.  I hope by playing derby my kids will learn it’s never too late to learn something new and find a passion.  My Dad just prays I don’t get hurt!  Thanks Dad, for teaching me how to skate!  XOXO

15. What do you find most challenging about your position?

Being able to make the best split-second decisions on the track.  I know it may take a long time and many different situations to get a handle on this but that’s something I hope to improve.