Heidi-Go-Seek- Count-2-10

High Rollers, Wheels of Justice

Joined RCR: 2008, HR '08-present, AoA '09-'10, WoJ '10-present
Drink of choice: whiskey and ginger ale
Derby wife: Viva Vendetta
Theme Song: "Put On" by Young Jeezy
Hometown: Memphis, TN
Favorite quote: "hit or be hit"
Day job: personal trainer

How did you get your start with roller derby?

I ran into [Fresh Meat coach] Mary Mac at the hot springs and started taking skating lessons with her in October '07.  I tried out for Fresh Meat in January '08.  I remember getting the call from Smack Ya Sideways and I felt like I was on, what's that show?  American Idol.  I was like "I'm going to Hollywood!"  I skated on Fresh Meat for 4 or 5 months and was drafted, #1 draft pick, by the High Rollers.  I was really happy because I wanted to either be on the Betties or the High Rollers.  The Rollers were my first choice.  They seemed like a good fit for me.

And what's the story behind your name and number?

My real name is Heidi.  I was torn between Heidi-Go-Seek and Preparation H.  The joke with my number is like when you're playing hide-and-seek you count to 10, and my number is Count-2-10.  Plus, without being too specific, I weighed a little over 200lbs when I joined derby.  So it's a double entendre.

But you're one of the most physically fit, muscle-y skaters in the league!  So fitness wasn't always a way of life for you like it is now?  Is that all because of derby?

It's all because of derby.  When I first joined I wanted to be the fattest, fastest jammer.  I started working out on my own because I wanted to be the best.  I know it's not as easy for some people, but I kept working hard and the weight just dropped off me.  I use exercising and eating healthy as compensation for my bad habits.  If I do one unhealthy thing I'll do four good things to make up for it.

Any skating experience before you joined the Rose City Rollers?

Oh yeah, I actually speed-skated as a kid, but I shattered my ankle and gave it up right around the time those ugly things called "inline skates" got popular.  That was when I was 15 years old.  When I ran into Mary Mac I hadn't skated in forever, and it was not like riding a bike.  It took me a while to remember how to skate again.

Congrats on making it onto Wheels of Justice!  What are you looking forward to most?

Thanks!  I'm really excited to play on a national level, you know, the "big dog" level.  To be able to skate against some of my idols like Bonnie Thunder (GGRD), girls that I've seen and admired, just to be able to play with the best of them, it's such an incredible opportunity.  And all of the girls that supported me, taught me, called me to congratulate me when I made it, they are all so amazing and I'm so lucky to get to play with them.

I'm sure one of the many reasons Wheels of Justice wanted you is because you're a hell of a blocker.  What's your favorite position to play?

I like playing 3 or 4, the back of the pack.  There's a lot of movement-lateral, forward and back, within the pack, and you have to be really quick and agile.  It's a good spot to be in if you want to be a jammer cuz you have to have really good footwork.  Eventually I'd like to be a really good, really fast jammer.

What's the WFTDA rule you break most often?

I've been known to take out my mouth guard and well, not argue, but discuss with the ref on my way to the penalty box.

Roller derby is a huge time commitment.  Do you have any hobbies?

I paint with oils and I play bass, or I should say I used to, back when I had free time!

What's the worst injury you've suffered?

Right now I'm recovering from a broken rib.  During practice a while back I accidentally got punched in the side by my own teammate while she was jamming.  I thought I'd dislocated it!  I had it set but I kept reinjuring it.  I hurt it again about a month ago, so I finally went in for x-rays and they told me it was a break, but an old break.

You seem so dedicated to the sport.  What sort of impact has skating had on your life?

Skating and roller derby really are such a big part of my life.  A lot of major firsts I had growing up happened in a roller rink- my first kiss, my first cigarette, my first taste of alcohol.  My first game after I got drafted was the 2008 Championships at the Expo Center, and I got proposed to at the start of the game in front of a huge crowd.  A lot of important things have happened to me on skates.  I'm just really grateful for the experience.