We’re back again, and this month we get to learn more about Bonnie “PileDriver” Somerville. PileDriver plays for both the GI Janes and the travel team All Stars, and she also happens to be one of the hardest hitters on the track (as I can very much attest to – ouch, my poor shoulders). Read on!
Name: PileDriver
Number: 29
Team: GI Janes
Member of OCDG since: May 2013
Give us a quick ‘n dirty rundown of who you are.
22 year old farm kid living life in the city. I work, I skate, I go on adventures with the people I love. Total dork to the core. Total pansy. I’m tough on the track and won’t give a second thought when it comes to knocking anyone to the ground. But off the track I’m more likely to hug you than deck you.
Is there a story behind your name/number?
I spent my entire life around bagpipes, and when I was a good enough piper I started playing shows and competing with my band. One our show sets was Suo Gan and The Piledriver. I loved that set. It was that set that pushed me to be a better piper.
Also 29 has been my number for over a decade and through the many many many sports I used to play.
How, when, and why did you get started in roller derby?
My parents gave me Whip It for my 18th birthday, which started it all. But things didn’t work out; I may or may not have ran away from a freshmeat night in Red Deer.
A good friend forced me into buying a full set of gear a year and a half ago, two months later I joined OCDG, and I haven’t looked back since.
Why did you pick OCDG for your league?
The aforementioned friend who forced me to buy gear was originally trying to get me to play with her in Red Deer but I couldn’t do the commute. She later told me that if I was going to skate in Edmonton it should be with OCDG since they were nice.
What position do you like to play the most and why?
Blocker all the way. More specifically mamma hen since for some reason in a pack I’m more comfortable skating backwards. Plus having jammers fear me is kind of satisfying.
What is your best derby memory?
I’d like to say my first game but I don’t remember much of it. Getting my laps was pretty fantastic though. Pretty sure I did them nearly every practice for quite some time until I got my 25-in-5.
Any plans or goals for your future in roller derby?
Skate for as long as my body will let me. Seems like a good plan/goal to me.
Have any advice for future skaters (fresh meat)?
Don’t be afraid to take or throw a hit. And strive to beat the senior skaters. It will make you better and make us want to get better.
Anything else you’d like to say?
Derby saved me in more ways than one. It’s my second love. Sorry guys but my wee laddie wins first place.
Fun fact about Pile: she has signature ‘crazy eyes/ that she likes to flash at opponents shortly before slamming into them. They would fill you with sheer horror, if not for the fact that she’s always grinning at the same time. Thanks for the chat, Pile!