Venus De Pileup

When I first watched roller derby after Dot Rotten took me along to a session, I thought 'absolutely no way am I EVER doing that!'. I honestly couldn't believe people would do it for fun. After a while I came round to the idea - not surprising as I was house-mates with Dot Rotten and Matt the Knife, and good friends with Gorgon Roller.
It took me quite a while to find my feet and start scrimmaging properly as I spent the first few months of practice somewhat terrified. Anyway, finally, something in my head just clicked and I threw myself headlong into training and scrimmaging. I upped my attendance to 100% and just went for it. A few problems along the way didn't help - I've got a bursae on the ball of one of my feet (an internal sack of fluid caused by friction which will never go as long as I skate), and had a really dodgy hip for a while after a bad fall which occasionally flares up, but I've never once regretted being part of Leeds Roller Dolls.
The introduction of the Whip-Its and our début in The Great Yorkshire Showdown was when things really took off for me. Before then I didn't think I'd ever have a chance of getting rostered and playing in a bout, but with the B team there were much more opportunities for lower level Dollies to play. The Showdown gave me the focus and drive I needed to really improve my game, and since then I've been on a mission to get rostered for more bouts, which has so far been successful. I have a lot of doubt in my abilities, but there are always so many Dolls on hand to give me the kick up the bum I sometimes need to see me back on track (get it?). Roller derby and the Leeds Roller Dolls is not just about the sport, it's about the immense new family it brings with it.
Roller derby has changed my life in a way I could never have imagined. It's brought me into contact with an amazing bunch of men and women, and encouraged me to strive to do my best and push myself to the max. I'm so excited about the 2011 season and what it will bring for me as a player, and LRD as a league. Bring it on!!!!