#83 Cat O’Lust

#1099 Cat O'Lust
#83 Cat O’Lust

 When did you join Cajun Rollergirls?
March 8, 2014

What is your day job?
I work in Asset Management for Danos and am a (expert *wink*) smoothie artist/member greeter/assistant at Peak Performance Health & Athletic Club.

How did you get involved with roller derby?
I was asked to join by a friend [Bust-Her Ballz] a few years back, but was unable to at the time because of work. It was hardly one week that I had moved back to my hometown that I was at practice, scoping it out. I attended the next practice in gear and have been hooked ever since.

Please explain the inspiration and story behind your derby name and number.
1. I am a cat. I am very passionate about derby and desire to be an unchangable force on the track…a catalyst if you will.
2. If you turn your head to the left, you will notice that my number forms a wide-eyed kitty cat face. Meow!

Did you skate and/or have any prior derby experience before joining CRG?
I skated for a few years as a child, but when I joined the team, I had not worn a pair of skates in a good 15 years.

What is your skate gear of choice?
I love my Killer 187 pads [they are life savers]. My Rollerbones’ Day of the Dead wheels are my new favorites to skate with !

Do you have any pre-bout rituals?
GLITTER. I choose to blanket myself in glitter [aka “Lust Dust” or “Kitty Glitter,” as my teammates would say] and can never forget to liven up my whiskers!

What are some of your best/favorite moments in roller derby?
My favorite times are bout days! There’s so much excitement and anticipation built up and you get to show how hard your team has been working. I love seeing the friends that I’ve made and making new ones through these games.

Who are your derby heroes?
I admire Violet Knockout from the Gotham Girls of New York. I was able to watch her play live last season against The Big Easy Rollergirls of New Orleans. I was the hugest fangirl, ever. Her strenght and balance were impeccable.

Do you have a motivational quote?
“Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter, and those who matter don’t mind.” – Bernard M. Baruch

What goes through your brain as you lace up your skates?
I am filled with both delight and adrenaline. I try to talk myself into not bursting out of my own skin from excitement. When I lace up my skates, I’m ready to challenge and push myself beyond my limits.

How would you describe your derby playing style?
I believe I am an aggressive player. I try to give it my all, no matter if we’re ahead on the scoreboard or not. My performance is important to me and I don’t ever want to let my teammate or myself down.

What are some of your greatest accomplishments on the track? Off the track?
I am proud of how I’ve changed from my first year of derby. Although I’m still a little rough around the edges, I’ve gained a bit of confidence and strenght since my first season and I hope that it shows through my gameplay. My proudest moment to date is earning Rookie of the Year for our 2014 season, because it was one based on statistics. It showed just what all of my hard work earned. Off the track, I am proud of myself for committing to holding 2 jobs and for also increasing my physical activity consistently for over 3 years. I work hard for what I desire in life.

How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
I have gained a new family and a larger support system than I could have ever imagined. Countless friendships have flooded my life and I could not be more thankful. Something new that I’ve adapted into my routine since the end of last season is a strength-training program which I do at my gym. Derby has influenced me to make more aggressive changes within my lifestyle and I love to see the positive results in doing so.

How do you find a balance between your derby life and your “real” life?
Derby does take up a lot of my time, but in a good way. It’s motivated me to become a better skater and to be even more active than before and I am thankful that it has influenced such positive changes in my life.

What hobbies do you have outside of derby?
I am absolutely in love with biking and working out. Biking, however, is my most cherished activity aside from derby. There’s nothing like getting out on the road with the sun on your face and the wind in your hair while you ride off on an adventure.

Any advice for those thinking about joining roller derby?
Join! You have no idea what your life can gain until you try. I would have definitely joined sooner if I could have, especially knowing what I know now. So many wonderful changes have taken place since I’ve joined and I am looking forward to years to come.

Anyone you’d like to take the opportunity to thank?
I’d like to thank my family, friends (especially my Saydsie & B-ry) and teammates. No matter what, you all have been by my side since day 1. I have no words to express just how appreciative I am of you all. You make my heart smile big, BIG!

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