Photo by Charlie ShutterThug Chu

Today, Ri-Ette and Sirens’ Co-Captain P.I.T.A is unstoppable on the track, but she hasn’t always been a rolling force of nature.  We talked to P.I.T.A. about her humble derby origins, from what made her strap on skates to her first Baby Doll Brawl, and about why you should check out L.A. Derby Dolls’ newest Fresh Meat this Sunday. 

You can see P.I.T.A. and the Ri-Ettes take on Team Legit on March 27th- tickets are on sale NOW here.  And then on March 28th, come back with the whole family to watch the all-ages Baby Doll Brawl.  Get your tickets now- we WILL sell out.

Q:  When and why did you join the Derby Dolls? 

P.I.T.A:  TXRD had a show on A&E called “Rollergirls.”  After seeing it, my husband suggested that I try derby to get some aggression out.  I thought he was nuts because I couldn't skate worth a damn.  By the end of the series, I was hooked!!  I took skating lessons at a local rink on Saturday mornings for about two months, and joined a brand new derby league in Orange County.  

When Todd and I went to our first banked track game (LADD's Sirens vs. Trust Fund Terrors at Crazy Gideon's, July 2006), the skaters’ blocks were so forceful they broke the rail right by where we were standing.  I still have that piece of wood on my mantle.  It was sooo exciting, and quite a rush to see!  Todd looked at me and said "you need to make the drive to LA to do this." and that was it.  August 1, 2006 was my first day as LADD Fresh Meat!!   

Q:  When was your Baby Doll Brawl?  How did it go?

 P.I.T.A:  My first game was the very first Baby Doll Brawl, on December 2, 2006:  The Juggernauts vs. The Glam Reapers.

It was crazy raw because we only had a month to prepare.  We were all so new that we didn't really know how to play... we just knocked each other down a lot!  I was a blocker on the Juggernauts- Cannon Doll X was our captain.  Diva Jammers Gori Spelling and Laguna Beyatch made their jam debuts.  Titty Titty Bang Bang, Aggro Vader, and Minnie Jugs were all Juggernaut blockers.  Janis Choplin was the Reapers' Captain, and they had the super fast jammers of Mila Minute and Kung POW Tina (now San Diego Derby Dolls).  They also had the blocking force of Trixie Biscuit, Razorslut, and former skater Hannah Grenade (now a WFTDA ref).  They also had Bloody Holly, who after all these years got just the derby bug again, and is back as LADD Fresh Meat.   

It was a brutal game; I almost sent Leia Mout over the rail!  Reapers won... I don't remember the score, I just remember how fun it was!

Q:   What impact did that Baby Doll Brawl have on the rest of your derby career? 

P.I.T.A:  What I found to be the coolest part of the whole experience was that we were all Fresh Meat, and we all created this unique bond with each other.  We were these tough women who liked giving and taking beatings.  At game time, we knocked the crap outta each other.  Then after the game, win or lose, we were still friends.  

I ended up hyper extending my left knee and pulling my PCL, so I had to sit out for two months after the Brawl.  That game fired me up to do my physical therapy and get strong so I could do it again!  Just being near those women made me feel like I had found my niche in life!  Like I knew exactly what my cankles were built for!  The whole experience made me want more, and still motivates me to work hard so I can remain a part of roller derby!

Q:  How privileged was the audience to get their first-ever glimpse of future Sirens Co-Captain/All Star LA Ri-Ette P.I.T.A?

P.I.T.A:  HA! Privileged, I dunno... but there is this really great picture of me nailing the opposing jammer and in the back ground Iron Maiven's mouth is wide open in shock that a freshie just did that.  Busta Armov made a video of that hit and sent it to TXRD to show them what LA was teaching their new girls to do- that was an honor. I'd say the crowd was certainly privileged to see all of us from that BDB that are now Ri-Ettes- me, Gori, Laguna, Titty, and our Manager Razorslut.  We're some pretty bad-ass skaters now!!

Q:  Did you do your trademark shimmy in a moment of triumph, or was that developed later?

P.I.T.A:  The boobie jiggle came way later!  I was always the biggest girl on the track (dare I say fattest?).  At 5'6", weighing in at 215 pounds for my first 3 years of derby, I liked to show the fans that this big girl can rock it and I'm proud of it!  It's more of a "I am phat woman... hear me roar" kinda reaction to something I feel I've done well!  I only do it once a game... so watch for it!  P.S. I've lost 30 pounds this year- makes the jamming a little easier with a few less pounds to push around the track!  LOL!

Q:  How long did it take from your first Fresh Meat practice until you got on a team?

P.I.T.A:  I started in August of 2006; I made the Sirens in late February of 2007.  I spent six months as Fresh Meat. 

Q:  What did you learn from the Baby Doll Brawl that you still use today as the Co-Captain of the Sirens?

P.I.T.A:  I learned in the first BDB that we're all here for our own reasons. Each one of us has our own derby dream, and we need to find ways to make that dream come true.  I try to remember that all my skaters are different, and that each one of their derby dreams is just as important as mine.  So hopefully I can make the experience good for them... and hopefully Killo Kitty and I can motivate them to achieve their dreams!  If we can live this dream together as a team, then no matter what the score board says... we're winners!  It's all about fun!

Q:  What can the audience expect from the upcoming Baby Doll Brawl?

P.I.T.A:  RAW ROLLER DERBY!  Massive hits!  Pile ups!  A ton of energy, and some really great smiles!  These are the future skaters of LADD, and you don't want to miss the chance to see these up and coming All-Stars at the beginning of their derby career!  This will be one of the best Baby Doll Brawls yet!

Photo by Charlie Shutterthug Chu

In her six years skating with L.A. Derby Dolls, Ri-Ettes captain Tara Armov has, among many accomplishments, led the Fight Crew through the only undefeated season in the league’s history, coined the term Baby Doll Brawl, and ignited fear in the hearts of countless skaters.  We talked to Tara about her history with derby, the nature of being an All-Star, and why you should never turn down a chance to hang out with derby people. 

You can see Tara and the Ri-Ettes take on Team Legit on March 27^th- tickets are on sale NOW here.  And then on March 28th, come back with the whole family to watch the all-ages Baby Doll Brawl.  Get your tickets now- we WILL sell out.

Q:  How long have you been playing roller derby?  How did you first get involved with the sport?

TA:  I've been playing derby since January, 2004. Good gawd, seeing that date actually makes me feel very, VERY old.   Ah, lost youth...  Oh, wait!  Back to the interview...

Anyway, I found derby when I was working in Texas in 2003, and through a series of fortuitous circumstances, found myself at the first awards ceremony for the TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls in Austin.  There was something about a dirty warehouse covered in spray-painted banners, filled with old theater seats surrounding a well-used banked track that I found to be exciting.  All without seeing them actually skate.

When the job ended and I came back to Los Angeles, I found the Derby Dolls through Craigslist.  I emailed co-founder Thora Zeen telling her that if the Derby Dolls are doing what the Texas league was doing, I wished them the best and couldn't wait to see them skate.  Thora emailed me back saying that I should come practice with the Dolls.  I said that I was too old.  Thora replied, "BULLSHIT!" and convinced me to skate with them.  And so started the long road of How Tara Armov Came Into Being.

Q:  What’s the difference between a regular season game and an All-Star game?

TA: Our regular season games feature our amazing intra-league teams: Fight Crew, Sirens, Tough Cookies, and Varsity Brawlers.  Our All-Star games feature the best skaters from each of those teams going up against kickass skaters and teams from leagues all around the country.  Seeing an All-Star game is kinda similar to getting the Greatest Hits collection of your favorite band with the occasional remix bonus track added on the end.

Q:  What does it take to turn an average skater into an All-Star?

TA:  Usually either a freak accident involving nuclear radiation in a shifty scientific study, or a LOT of sweat, blood, hard training and the occasional tear will turn your Average Everyday Kickass Skater into an All-Star Who You REALLY Don't Want to Tick Off.

Q:   How are this season’s Ri-Ettes different from last year’s?

TA:  I think we're even more enthusiastic about playing new teams and having fun with it than last year.  We're enjoying learning the best way to utilize who we have on the team and learning to work well with each other on the track.  I'm VERY excited to see how we play on the 27th!

Q:  Your March 27th opponent Team Legit is made up of flat track All-Star skaters from all over the West Coast.  How do you think these skaters will fare on the banked track?

TA:  It will depend on how fast they adjust to the differences in speed and timing on the banked track.  Some of them skated against LADD at Battle on the Bank II tournament in Austin, TX last year, and they were a force to be reckoned with.   However, our track is longer and has a steeper bank to it than TXRD's, so it'll be interesting to see how Legit adjusts to that.

Q:  In your spare time, you travel across the country training other leagues and doing commentary for Derby News Network.  Why is it important for LA skaters and fans to expose themselves to derby beyond the Doll Factory?

TA:  Because there's SO MUCH AWESOME derby out there!  Seeing other leagues skate, whether it's banked or flat track, is an eye-opener on so many levels!  I always learn something when seeing other leagues skate.

That, and hanging out with DIY derby people is always the most fun one can have without going to jail for it.

Q:  Who are the Ri-Ettes to watch on March 27th?  Who from Team Legit are you nervous about facing?

TA:  The Ri-Ettes to watch?  ALL OF US.  Each Ri-Ette brings something amazing to the team.  Look at our roster...there isn't anyone there who shouldn't be there, and it shows when they skate.  When we stick together, we're unstoppable.

As for Legit, I don't focus on particular individuals to be nervous about.  That's a mind game I'd rather not play.  I'm going to tell my team to just hit the crap out of anyone who isn't wearing a Ri-Ettes uniform on the track.

Q:  2010’s first Baby Doll Brawl is on March 28.  What’s so great about a Baby Doll Brawl?  Should fans come back to the Doll Factory two days in a row to see this one?

TA:  Here's the beauty of this weekend's Derby Dolls games: you get to see the current best and the future best of the league.  It's like a big, sweaty, violent derby sammich!

Baby Doll Brawls are just so much FUN to watch... you can see what the future will bring forth, even in their current embryonic derby stage.  And isn't always fun to see your babies grow up to kick ass?

Q:  You are notoriously loud and angry on the track.  What fuels your rage?

TA:  I wouldn't say I'm angry most of the time, but I am vociferously enthusiastic, especially when it comes to anything derby.

 Photo by Boss Hogg

Jackie Daniels is an All-Star blocker, jammer, and all around good time derby gal.  She’s been rocking the Midwest with her skating for the last five years, and will be making a special guest appearance in Southern California to lead classes at next week’s March Radness Camp.  We talked to Jackie about switching leagues, switching tracks, and why she never misses a chance to party with the the L.A. Derby Dolls.

You can train with Jackie and other fantastic skaters from all over the country, as well as try out the banked track, from March 4-7 in LA.  More information and tickets are available here.

Q:  How long have you been playing roller derby?  How did you first get involved with the sport?

JD:  I joined and helped build Grand Raggidy Roller Girls in May of 2005.  We played our first bout (standing straight up) in April of 2006.  I read an article about derby coming back in major cities and just knew it was for me (I have no idea why; I hadn't seen it, nor did I know anything, but I would not stop talking about doing it).  I was afraid it wouldn't happen in Grand Rapids, but soon found out it was just getting started on a very small scale.

Q:  You recently relocated from Grand Rapids to Chicago, and from the Grand Raggidy Roller Girls to the Windy City Rollers.  How has the transition been?

JD:  The transition is great.  I feel my agility increasing significantly, as I am more scared of getting hit WAY hard by more girls- ha!  Not that GR girls don't hit hard, but there's a big difference in a league of 25 vs. 90+ skaters.  It feels great to have more coaching and opinions available.  I am on one committee vs. several and I am loving feeling less pressure in that arena after a long time on Board of Directors.  WCR has been very welcoming and I am SO happy to be with them.  It's completely, completely different, in a great way, and it feels really like a perfect fit. 

Q:  You normally skate flat track, but have a healthy respect for the bank.  What do you see as biggest difference between banked and flat track derby?

JD:  Mostly strategy.  You really need to rethink your game when shorter jams, faster laps and different advantages due to the bank are all new things coming at you.  It all makes sense that these would come into play, but you just need to remember plan for it, even though you just wanna get out there!

Q:  What’s the most important thing for newer skaters to think about when learning the game?   What do you think vets can always get better at?

JD:  Fundamentals and a positive attitude are huge assets to take you where you need to be regardless of the point you are at in your athletic career.   Working hard with a positive attitude is a huge contribution to your team at the early or later stages of skill.  I am constantly learning, even if I attend a beginner class, it seems I take something away.  There is always something to be gained from each experience.  Putting yourself in the position to have as many experiences as possible really helps growth- whether that be attending all of your leagues practices you can, adding camps, watching nearby various bouts, watching DNN online bouts, etc. 

Q:  Why is March Radness camp in LA a derby event that’s not to be missed?

JD:  LA knows how to get down; they just know how to do an event right. They are gracious hosts and wonderful planners.  They've always come out 110% each time I have practiced with, played against, played with or spectated a game with LADD.  I have no doubt that they’ll pull off one the best training camps to attend.  I try dang hard to not miss anything stamped Derby Dolls.

Q:  If there were a banked track league in Chicago, would you join?

JD:  Hmmm... I'd try to do both.  If I couldn't, I'd stick with WCR, cause I'm just a loyal lady (maybe the lady part isn't exactly accurate) and any banked track league would have a serious challenge to compete with the love in my heart for Derby Dolls.

Q:  What’s the hardest part about roller derby?

JD:  Not being able to be everywhere at once.  In so many ways.

Q:  Boxers or briefs?

JD:  I like to wear baggy briefs.

Photo By Charlie Shutterthug Chu

Bonnie D. Stroir is an All-Star blocker, jammer, and the founder of the San Diego Derby Dolls, the nation's first hybrid banked and flat track roller derby league.  She will be leading classes at this year’s March Radness Camp.  We talked to Bonnie about the difference between banked and flat track, what it takes to become an All-Star, and why this year’s training camp is going to be awesome. 

You can train with Bonnie and other fantastic skaters from all over the country, as well as try out the banked track, from March 4-7 in LA.  More information and tickets are available here. 

Q:  How long have you been playing roller derby?  How did you first get involved?

BD:  I got started with L.A. Derby Dolls in October of 2003.  There was no roller derby in San Diego yet, so I had to commute for my ass kickings.

Q:  What’s the biggest difference between banked and flat track derby?

BD:  Banked track is much faster.  The average time it takes for a jammer to exit the pack and re-enter is 3 seconds faster on average in banked track.

That doesn't sound like much, but in an average 37 second jam, 3 seconds can make the difference between being prepared and getting smoked.  I think that's partly why flat track skaters have a hard time making the adjustment sometimes.

Q:  What do you think skaters can gain from learning to skate both?

BD:  Slowing things down on the flat ground is good for banked skaters, because it's a way crueler workout, endurance-wise, to have to push your own ass around the track for 2 whole minutes.

But as far as strategy goes, I consider banked track going from dial up to cable internet.  Teams have to click and react NOW, not after some time for careful consideration.  Learning to think fast like that should appeal to anyone who feels they've hit a plateau in their derby career.

Q:  What’s the most important thing for newer skaters to think about when learning the game?   What do you think vets can always get better at?

BD:  Everyone needs more agility, and more endurance.  You can never get enough of either; it's the difference between a first half team and a full time team.

Q:  What does it take to turn an average skater into an All-Star?

BD:  There's this point where you just sort of... click into gear.  You go from just going through the motions at practice to actively making things happen and understanding why.  I think it has to happen in a game.  There's a breakthrough game for everyone who becomes an All-Star, where afterwards you're like... "Yah, I freakin' get it now!"

I think that's something that happens within; you can't really teach it.  It's like hitting your stride, self confidence-wise.

Q:  Why is March Radness camp in LA a derby event that’s not to be missed?

BD:  Any time there's a training camp, you wanna be there, especially if you have a chance to learn from people like Jawbreaker, and Bonnie Thunders.  Camps are so fun; you're completely immersed in your thing, with your people.

Not only that, anyone who hasn't had the chance to scrimmage on a banked track yet should take every advantage of the opportunity!

Q:  What’s the worst injury you’ve sustained?  How about the worst injury you’ve given?

BD:  I don't like to think too much about (manifest) injuries.  But I've had my share of sprained and separated things, but you know, that's just part of sports.  You heal and move on.  Hopefully a little smarter!

Q:  Answer honestly: which is better, flat track or banked?

BD:  I've always tried to acknowledge the importance of everyone's derby. I'll always go where the competition is, too.  But let me just say, if I could give the whole world a banked track, I surely would!

Photo by Charlie ShutterThug Chu 

Tough Cookies Captain Iron Maiven has led her troop of rough and tumble Girl Scouts to victory at Championships for the last two years- the only repeat winners in Derby Dolls’ history.  With Co-Captain Gori Spelling, Maiven wants to lead the Cookies to an unprecedented third championship in 2010.  We talked to Maiven about her leadership strategy, the challenges her team faces this season, and her favorite flavor cookie. 

You can see Maiven and the Tough Cookies take on the Fight Crew on February 13- tickets are on sale NOW here.  We WILL sell out!

Q:  This is your fourth year as captain.  How have the Tough Cookies changed under your leadership?  

IM:  I think my leadership has changed, which has in turn affected the team.  Motivating, offering constructive criticism, and encouraging while still maintaining discipline is a difficult balance that four years has allowed me to perfect.  The team decides what the team wants to do at our practices, how we train, what we study, how we strategize.  It’s a group effort, but it’s my job to take their ideas and goals and find ways to get us to achieve those goals through specific drills and discussions.  I think we're doing a pretty good job, don't you?  Ha ha ha...

Q:  What are the biggest challenges that the Tough Cookies will face in 2010? 

IM:  The biggest challenge we face right now is the drive and hunger other teams have for a win against us.    

We watched the Swarm join our 2009 season and just destroy our other teams; it actually took the spotlight off us, for once.  We were already the 2008 champions, but the Swarm seemed to present a bigger threat than we did.  That was our motivation last season, beating the competition.  Now, in 2010, I fear we're perceived that way, as the biggest threat.  And that kind of perception can generate some serious competition. 

And the counter to that is that it’s a lot harder to pump up the team when we already have 2 trophies, when we already defeated the undefeated, when we already proved we can walk in the underdogs and take the gold.  We can't get big heads about this season; we need to remember that we are 0-0 like 3 other teams.  Right now Varsity Brawlers are ahead of us with 1 win! 

Q:  You’ve been off skates with a knee injury since last fall.  Has this changed your perspective on leading and training your team? 

IM:  Being injured has allowed me to step back and WATCH my team.  When you're a captain AND a skater, you're constantly trying to critique while skating.  You miss a lot because you are on the track with the team and can only see what's going on within your pack.  Being able to step back and watch from the infield has created new strategy and skills I've implemented in our training.    

Q:  The Cookies are LA Derby Dolls’ first repeat champions.  How do you plan to continue your dominance in 2010?  

IM:  It’s difficult to set goals when you're the first team to win back-to-back championships, against odds that didn't appear to be in our favor.  This year the Cookies are putting a focus on individuals.  So many Tough Cookie team skaters have stepped up to the challenge of maintaining championship status by upping their personal skills.  I'd like to see more "hybrid skaters" on the Cookies, meaning we all skate offensive and defensive positions, and do both WELL. 

I have some other goals in mind that will help us push ourselves, but I fear if I mention them, I'll have four teams joining forces to bring us down.  Ha!  You'll have to come out and see what we have up our little Girl Scout sleeves!

Q:  What do you admire most about Fight Crew? 

IM:  I admire Fight Crew's strength, experience, and leadership.   Haught Wheels and Janis Choplin are two of my biggest idols in the league.  Haught Wheels is a teacher and an all around amazing skater.   Her accomplishments within this league, in such a short amount of time, on top of her day job, are motivating to me.  Janis Choplin is a fitness instructor, constantly pushing the league to new training, starting both Punk Rope and Derby Por Vida, opening up our facility to the community and skaters.  I seek leadership, rules, and training advice from both, and when we're not about to duke it out on the track, our teams often practice together and manage for one another.  It is always a difficult bout for the Tough Cookies both because of the level of competition, and the level of friendship we have.

Q:  Which flight attendant are you looking forward to taking down? 

IM:  Oh gee, well, I can't physically take anyone down, so I'm just looking forward to bringing some strategy to the bout that Fight Crew doesn't expect.  Fight Crew is incredibly savvy on their rules, and their strategy and skating style reflect that in their bouts.  I'm hoping that we are indeed one step ahead of them and can mess with their heads and packs a bit with what we have to bring. 

Q:  What’s your favorite kind of cookie? 

IM:  Mmmmmmmmmmmm, my favorite cookie is chocolate chocolate chip.  The more chocolate, the better! 

Q:  Describe the 2010 Tough Cookies in 5 words or less. 

IM:  Fierce, aggressive, athletes, fun, CHAMPIONS!!!!!  

Photo by Charlie ShutterThug Chu

Officer Killo Kitty has been patrolling the track with her girls in blue for 3 years, terrorizing those who break the rules and enforcing with an iron hip check. As the new captain of the crowd favorite team the Sirens, Killo Kitty and her new co-captain P.I.T.A. are ready to brutalize and serve in 2010. We talked to Killo about her strategy for the new season, who she wants to make cry, and why she's such a bully on the track.

You can see Killo and her Sirens take on the Varsity Brawlers on January 23- tickets are on sale NOW here and we WILL sell out!

Q: After a disappointing 2009 season, how are you feeling as the new captain for the 2010 season?

KK: Becoming captain of this great bunch of ladies is an extreme honor! I want to give the team my all and I know that each and every one of the Sirens feels the same way. 2009 was not disappointing at all! It was a learning experience and now we are moving on to bigger and better things... like CHAMPS!

Q: Given the numerous changes on the Sirens roster, and the loss of four all-star skaters (Puncherello, Paris Killton, Kung Pow Tina, and Mila Minute), how is the team adjusting and how are you filling the void?

KK: We have filled the void with new and upcoming all-stars! Watch out for these girls! They may look sweet but they have a vicious side!

Q: Last spring, the Varsity Brawlers stunned the audience when they nearly beat the Sirens in just their second game as a team; given that bout, how are you viewing this rematch and what will you do differently?

KK: The Sirens are a totally different team than the one that played VB last year. We have trained differently and have a different mindset.

Q: What will it take for the Sirens to win the 2010 Championship and add another trophy to the mantle (the Sirens were previously 2007 Champions)?

KK: Positive attitudes and aggressiveness! It's up to the SIRENS to want it... and we want it BAD!

Q: How many skaters have you launched off the track?

KK: Just 1... almost 2... but I have made girls cry, and I like doing that! I am hoping to make Tae Kwon Ho cry!

Q: Why are you such a bully on the track?

KK: It all goes back to when I was in first grade. I got in a fight with the school bully. I did the Karate Kid kick and kicked sand in his face... he feared me after that and I got addicted to the power. MWAHAHAHA!

Q: Describe the 2010 Sirens in 5 words or less.

KK: 2010: Year of the Siren!

Photo by Charlie Shutterthug Chu

Longtime veteran blocker Eire Vengeance got her skates wet with the Tough Cookies and has risen to become the new co-captain of no-longer-rookie team, the Varsity Brawlers. Debuting in 2009, VB surprised everyone by skating with tenacity and strong team chemistry that belied their lack of experience, winning a stellar game over the Fight Crew and narrowly losing to the Sirens. The Brawlers were leading the Sirens all the way until the very last jam, when superstar jammer Mila Minute ripped out 10 points to win the game.

No doubt, the Brawlers are seeking revenge against the Sirens. We spoke to Eire about what the new season has in store for this team with heart, and what the game plan is against the cops. You can see Eire and her Brawlers take on the Sirens on JAN. 23 - Tickets are on sale NOW at here and we WILL sell out!

Q: This will be your first game as co-captain of the Varsity Brawlers. As you begin your regime, is there anything you’d like the Sirens, and the world, to know about your team?