#809 Sista Boom Boom

#809 Sista Boom Boom

When did you join Cajun Rollergirls?
I started hanging out with CRG September 2010, but started skating with them January 2011.

What is your day job?
I sling Dewey Decimals for Lafourche Parish Public Library.

How did you get involved with roller derby?
I knew about roller derby back in 2006 when an old neighbor in college was a referee with Big Easy Rollergirls. I wanted to do it then, but circumstances  prevented me from doing it then. Then around 2010, I bought advance tickets to a bout from our announcer, DJ TJ. He and Bi-eaux Hazard had tried to get me to join a year prior when we all went to a concert together. The bout was September 25, 2010, and after watching, I was hooked.

Please explain the inspiration and story behind your derby name and number.
My derby name (Sista Boom Boom) was a nickname I was given in college.  My number 809 is  the area code for the Dominican Republic, where my parents are from. Without them, there would be no me.

What is your favorite (derby) position?
Blocker-mainly because I have very little experience as a jammer, and I love blocking for what it is; making sure your jammer gets through the pack first!

What is your skate gear of choice?
187 Knee Pads, Poison wheels, and SISU mouth guard.

Do you have any pre-bout rituals?
As long as I get to relax,  eat a good meal and listen to good tunes, I’m ready!

Do you have an inner theme song?
Umm…. Not really. However, I do get different songs in my head to get me through a bout.

Please share your best derby moment (or moments).
There’s a lot of them. I know a specific one would be beating ARG in 2012. Everything seemed to fall into place that day.  Everyone was en pointe and determined, and yet still calm and having fun.

Who are your derby heroes?
The people who have been in it way longer than me, and have the ability to adapt to the sport while being humble and still in love with it.

Do you have a motivational quote?
“Mind over matter.”

What goes through your brain as you lace up your skates?
Could be anything, but nothing really specific.

Do you have a signature move?
Ummm…. I know it doesn’t have a name.

How would you describe your derby playing style?
…Bootyful…

What is your pre-derby sports/skating background?
Cheerleading/dancing, a little softball (I sucked at it, but love it), and volleyball. As far as skating, I started skating at 7, and I was in love. I never really skated for speed though, I was more in love with being graceful on skates.  When I joined CRG, it was a little uneasy at first, being that I had not been on skates for over a decade.

Did you play roller derby prior to joining CRG?
Nope.

Did your background make you a natural fit in assisting with your training?
Being involved with sports and organizations in the past made me a natural fit to play because roller derby is very much a group/team oriented sport.  As far as skating, I wasn’t really the fastest it in the beginning (still not, haha), but I always try to improve, even if it’s baby steps.

What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track?
Can’t really say, there’s a lot of them.

Off the track?
Being engaged to the awesome and supportive Mista Boom Boom.

How has your involvement in roller derby affected the way you live the rest of your life?
I  love how after a long or rough day, or whatever stress I’m having, there’s something about putting on my skates that makes me feel better. It’s even better knowing I’m skating with some amazing people-my teammates. Derby has gotten me through some tough days.

How do you find a balance between your derby life and your “real” life?
I don’t think I’ve perfected a balance between the both worlds, but I haven’t really had too much of an obstacle with it to begin with. I think after 3 seasons, it’s really a part of me now.

Where would you like to see roller derby in another 10 years?
I would really like to see roller derby as something as another sport for people to play in junior high and high school. Another sport that you get to see in the sports section of a yearbook, along with football, baseball, basketball, track, etc. I think that would be really awesome.

Any advice for girls who want to join roller derby?
DO IT! It’s really fun, and fulfills a lot of requirements such as: therapy, travel, meeting people and establishing friendships with the people in the derby community.

Anyone you’d like to take the opportunity to thank?
My friends  and family who have been supportive, patient, and understanding about me saying, “I can’t, I have derby.” Also, my team for a lot of things. CRG has some of the most amazing people ever.  Lastly, to my soon to be husband/chronic derby widow for always being there for me. I love you and will meet you down the aisle October 26!

Do you have a special message to your fans?
Thank you so much for coming to our bouts and being  supportive of CRG! I love and appreciate it very much!