Tallahassee RollerGirls MVP of the Month: Brat

April 10, 2012 | TALLAHASSEE
Written By: Purr So Cute

Our MVP of the Month is Brat, who has been with TRG since 2010! Her dedication and determination has made her a force to be reckoned with. After sustaining an injury last year, she has come back with a vengeance to show off her blocking skills. When not skating, her busy schedule includes coordinating events for TRG as our Events Committee Head as well as helping out with other TRG league business. Read on to find out more about your MVP of the Month for April 2012!

Name: Brat
Name: 9001
Years with League: I have been skating with TRG since August 2010.
Primary Position: Blocker, primarily defensive.

What’s a typical day or week like for you?
I just started graduate school at FSU, so I spend a lot of time preparing for classes and reading tons of marketing material to try to stay on top of everything. I also work as the grad assistant in the marketing department on campus so I spend 10 hours a week working there, mainly keeping up with email and discussions with the board. I try to maintain a social life, and can normally be found singing karaoke at Bird’s on Thursday or enjoying a cider at Fermentation Lounge on Friday.

With such a busy life what keeps you motivated with roller derby?
I started skating because it was an intense workout that was fun at the same time. When it became more serious, and it looked like I could eventually start playing in games, I decided it was going to be all or nothing. Since I made the decision to give it my all I have come to every practice with my 200%, so I would say that my determination to be the best that I can be keeps me motivated.

What is your skate gear of choice?
All of my gear was either gifted or handed down to me. As a broke college kid, I took full advantage of teammates’ old gear when they upgraded. A little gross, but a lot of awesome.

Who are your roller derby heroes?
Most certainly The Terminatrix, who showed me continually that it is possible to be a top notch blocker with a more petite frame. Not to mention all of the wisdom she has to offer from being one of the founding members of TRG. Also Erin Breakabitch, who took me under her wing when I first qualified and who has consistently helped me become the skater that I am today. Lastly, all of the skaters, old and new that suffered and recovered from injury who kept me sane and positive during my broken ankle.

Do you have a motivational quote?
My favorite is “put up or shut up,” but I also stick with my dad’s 7Ps—“Proper Planning and Preparation Prevents Piss Poor Performance.” I keep both of these on my mind daily.

Do you have a signature move?
I do not have a signature move, but I have been told I have some pretty intense frontal blocking. It is definitely my most favorite thing to do on the track.

Do you have any advice for girls who are thinking about joining roller derby?
Give it a shot, and if you like it give it your all. The best way to improve is by pushing yourself to an uncomfortable limit. Do not be afraid to ask for help, and do not take it personal when you are given help you do not ask for.

What animal do you think best describes your derby playing style?
The way that I found the answer to this question was by googling “prowling animals,” which gave me a link to the 12 most dangerous animals prowling the earth. From this list, I relate most to the great white shark. “Natural born killers, sharks are perhaps the deadliest creatures in the world waters.”

Anyone you'd like to take the opportunity to thank?
I am gonna go broad and say all of TRG. You all have really become my family and my home away from home. I cannot imagine where I would be now if I would not have found derby, so thanks to all who have been a part of my story.

Stay tuned next month for our next look into the life of one of our own TRG for MVP of the Month!