This month we talked to the lovely Rainbow Juicepig! Check out what she has to say about playing derby, the incredible community, and her awesome name!

What’s your derby name and number?

My name is Rainbow Juicepig and my number is 757.

How, when, and why did you get started with roller derby?

I was exposed to derby in Victoria BC when I met up with an old friend I hadn’t seen in a long time. She was an NSO (non-skating official) with the local league and there was a bout happening so she invited me to come and watch. I didn’t know a thing about derby but as soon as the game started I was hooked. I couldn’t wait to try and play. They weren’t having an intake for a few more months but I went and watched every game until that time. I loved it right away.

Do you have a story behind your derby name?

My name is unique and I have to thank my friend Kat. Long before I even knew what derby was, I was expecting my first child and my friend Kat would contribute potential baby names. Rainbow Juicepig was on one of those lists and while it didn’t suit my daughter, when I joined derby, I knew it was the perfect name.

What teams do you play on? Do you have a favourite position?

I play on all the teams. I enjoy derby for the game of playing derby and being with my friends. I am not super competitive so I try and play where I am needed. I prefer to play blocker but have been pushing my own personal boundaries and trying my hat at jamming more often.

How long have you skated with OCRD and why did you choose this league?

I have played with Oil City since February of 2012 when I was just a freshie at the Grindhouse. When I moved to Edmonton and was fully recovered from breaking my leg I emailed both of the leagues at the time and Oil City was the first one to email me back. After the first practice, I knew it would be a good fit.

What’s your favorite derby memory?

Trying to pin down a favorite derby memory would be hard. After a while, all of the games kind of blend together, but the best part of every game and the moment that stands out is when you are headed to the bench after a jam and you look at the people that were on your line and you talk about how awesome that jam was. Sometimes that only happens once a game, sometimes it happens every jam, but those are the moments that stay with me.

Any plan or goals for your future derby career?

I would like to keep playing derby until my body gives out. Try my best, give it my all and have fun doing it.

Anything else you would like to say to the derby community, fans or potential new recruits?

To all the fans, family and potential derby players I would say; Make the best of it. Enjoy every moment. Cheer and love and skate.

The derby community is full of fun and love and sweaty people that will love you back no matter your skill level. They love the fans and they really appreciate all of the support that they get that allows them to keep playing this great sport.