This month, we are super proud to feature the wonderful LuPaul. Lu has been with ARRG for a few years now, and has recently joined the All Stars Roster, as a crossover. That means she still skates with the All Star Reserves, and will be joining them in Copenhagen at the end of the month when they travel over to play in a one day tournament. Good luck All Star Reserves!
Joined ARRG in: Started fresh meat in January 2011
Role in ARRG: All Star Reserve (and Leithal Weapons) skater…and fairly recently added to the All Stars roster, yay. Oh and currently Co-chair too!
Favourite position to play: Mainly blocker, but anywhere really! I usually block/pivot in games…but I am partial to a bit of Jamming at training, starting to enjoy it quite a lot these days!
Your Derby story - why are you here?: I was introduced to roller derby by a pal of mine who is currently a ref up in Aberdeen (Hi Tessington!), who kept saying “ooh, you’ll love this, do it, go watch an ARRG game”. So I did. ARRG vs. Berlin back in 2010, loved it, and immediately signed up for the Fresh Meat programme. I got my skates in the post (due to a postal error) three days before I went to my first session. So aye, bambi.
Best derby-related advice: I have two pieces of advice. Firstly, I know a lot of folk say this, but…don’t compare yourself to others! I started with practically no skate experience, and found myself getting annoyed I couldn’t get my laps or t-stops when others did, and had to go through fresh meat twice. But people progress at different paces. Focus on your progression, not how it compares to others. Secondly, if you want to improve and progress, do other fitness things outside derby! Weights, plyos, whatever. Get strong, quick, build up your endurance.
What you do for the league aside from skating: I am currently Co-Chair of the ARRG Board, and I also do some things like Facebook and sending press releases for our communications committee, so a busy wee ARRG bee
Any funny/embarrassing derby stories: Well, there was that one time I cracked my rib, with my own skate.
Derby Hero: A little cliché, but pretty much anyone who has given time and supported ARRG and roller derby in general over the years, it has grown so much. There is obviously a few top skaters in top leagues I aspire to, but our skaters who push themselves and work hard to get to where they are, and help out with all the DIY aspects too. Love y’all.
Although, I do want to give a wee shout out to my close pal Rosie, who has recently transferred to ARRG. We started derby at the same time, and even though in different places, her progression and commitment inspires me a bunch.
What do you do outside of derby: I work for a charity (as an exciting finance guy), I am currently studying for a degree through Open Uni, and I do pole fitness/dancing. I like to go upside down on a pole and try and do fancy things, it’s my favourite (other than derby of course!). And my pole pals are awesome. So yeah, pretty busy! I also often hang out with a man people may know as Stephen Tawking, ARRG announcer. We are married. He is good. We pun a lot.
Fun fact about you: I once went on live TV in my youth, and told people how to throw a javelin. Screamed for authenticity. Should’ve carried on with that as a sport too, eh.
Fancy trying roller derby, and being just like LuPaul? Well, we have just the thing. We are holding another taster day - a day to come along and give it a go, without having to buy all your own kit. Our next one is extra special - as we are holding it on the day of our home season final, and the cost includes entry to BOTH games after the taster! You can sit with your new found friends and watch the coaches as they play in the final. Details of how to sign up here.
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