Tazslamian Devil #100mph: April's Skater of the Month

Tazslamian Devil, known by her fellow Granite State Roller Derby teammates as Taz, was one of the original founders of our league and has been a member since 2010, and this year she is co-captain of the GSRD All Stars with teammate Em Bomber. Find out how this veteran skater got started in the derby world, what the Taz-A-Dactyl is, and who her derby heroes are in this month's featured skater profile.   

How did you discover roller derby?

I was at a 4th of July BBQ (in DC) and met a member of the DC Rollergirls. She gave me a DC Rollergirls bumper sticker, which turned out to be my golden ticket into roller derby. Over a year later I found that bumper sticker under a pile of papers and decided right then to contact them about joining.  I went to the DC Armory and found an army of skaters. They loaned me skates and gear, and I skated around on the side and watched the teamed skaters scrimmage. After that I just kept going back!

Were you involved in other sports before derby?

I grew up doing gymnastics, but then when I got really tall, that became unfeasible. I played soccer and basketball, but wasn’t very good at “ball” sports. I also did downhill and cross-country skiing (I still love to ski but I hate the cold), and track and field. After I graduated from high-school I did not continue playing any team sports, just ran the occasional 5k. Now that I'm in derby, I feel like this is sport that in which I’m supposed to be involved. I like taking the lessons and strategies I learned from other sports and applying them to roller derby—especially teamwork.
 

Have you had any recent achievements?

Yes! I was selected by teammates as co-captain of the All-Stars with one of my best friends, Em Bomber. So far it has been an amazing experience. Also, GSRD's acceptanceas full WFTDA members in December 2013. Being a WFTDA team was a league goal from the beginning, and we are excited to work to make a name for ourselves in the WFTDA community.

Photo by Mark Eley Photography

What is your favorite position?

Blocker. I know that people often see me on the jam line, but I prefer blocking because I love the teamwork! Jamming can be a lonely position. It is also a tough position to play, both mentally and physically. You are the only person on the track that can score points for your team (no pressure!), and no matter how many times you get knocked down, you have to keep getting up and going right back for more! When I bout I like to play a mix of blocking and jamming.
  

Do you have any advice to share for those interested in trying derby?

Whatever your hesitation is, not going for it is holding you back from having the most fun of your life! Not only is skating great exercise that will transform your body, but the people who gravitate to roller derby are amazing. I never had a lot of female friends growing up. Now, I am surrounded by them. They are amazing, compassionate, caring, supportive, competitive, funny, motivated... I could go on and on.
  

Do you have any derby heroes?

Bonnie D. Stroir was probably the first derby super star I ever got to meet. In 2008, I had been skating for 7 months and went to a blocking clinic taught by Bonnie D. Stroir and Bully Julie. The things I have learned from Bonnie D. Stroir always resonated with me. Years later, I was able to learn from her about the challenges of being a league founder, and the mental game component of roller derby. I appreciate her openness, confidence and humility. Also, pretty much anyone on Team USA is my hero. I watch them, learn from them, and hope to one day wear the stars and stripes myself!

Do you have a signature move or is there anything special you do out on the track?

My teammates tease me for my Taz-a-dactyl moves on the track.  I have long limbs and when they go flying, I apparently look like a prehistoric reptile! I've also been compared to the Kool-Aid man because of the way I bust through walls. "OH YEAH!"
 

What hobbies or other awesome things do you do when you aren’t playing derby?
I have my own dog walking business! I love dogs and when the weather is good, I will take them out on skates! It's great running for them, and great training for me! I am also a student working toward my MBA!

Is there anything in the 2014 season that you are especially excited for?

I am excited to watch our team grow and progress this year. We have a core group of women that have been skating together for a few years now. I feel like we are about to unlock some magic on the track! But you'll have to come to our bouts to see it for yourself!

Would you like to say anything to the GSRD fans?

THANK YOU! I love that you love to watch roller derby. If no one came to see our bouts, or support us through volunteer work or sponsorship, roller derby in the area would simply fade away. Our skaters strive to be outstanding role models and community members to honor our fans and make them proud to support roller derby.