To fans it’s not always clear why we choose some of our names. What does your name, Tera Joules, mean and why did you choose it?

I knew right off the bat that I wanted a science name. I was really leaning towards the name “entropy” which means disorder and chaos in the universe, but it was taken. Then I thought killa Joules would’ve been funny and fantastic, but when I found out THAT was taken I wanted a name bigger and better (literally) so I went with Tera as a prefix, which means a TRILLION!!! and Joules, which is a unit of energy. I was 100% decided on that once I realized lightning was measured in Tera Joules 🙂

Your number, 7e12, isn’t just a random number. What does it mean?

Before we became a WFTDA league my number was 7×10^12, 7 being my favorite number and 10^12 being a trillion in scientific notation. Once I had to cut it to 4 characters I just changed it to how you would type it in a calculator. Nerd status!

As head of the Jr League you have a lot of girls who aspire to be just like you. How do the Frightmares inspire you?

They inspire me in so many ways! They are young and have so much potential ahead of them. I push to skate harder, play smart, and be tough because I expect no less from them. They inspire me to be the best player I can be and an excellent off track role model. I care about them in all that they do, I’ve even tutored one girl in chemistry! I know that there are some pretty crappy role models out there so I aspire to be the best for them. Every decision I make I think about them. I feel like a mother hen sometimes!

What made you want to play a full contact sport instead of a non-contact sport?

I was actually terrified to play a full contact sport that involved wheels being strapped to my feet. I knew I was aggressive and competitive so I worked my butt off to get my skill to that level. Non-contact sports don’t give you THAT feeling. Its empowering and makes me feel stronger than I ever had both mentally and physically.

Besides being such an awesome skater, do you have any hidden talents?

Well if I told you they wouldn’t be hidden, would they? I drive a standard (because I like control!) and most people don’t know that.

When you get really tired in a game, what helps you to keep pushing and stay motivated to play hard?

I just remember that people are depending on me. I can do anything for two minutes. If I can’t, there’s 13 other people on that bench I’m letting down. That’s unacceptable to me. I push through for my team, because they do the same for me.

What do you think is most important for a newer skater to learn?

Edges!!! I cannot emphasize it enough!! Edges are everything; they are balance, agility, control, and the key to staying on your feet. Ask any Frightmare or fresh meat- they would be millionaires if they got a $1 for every time I preached about edges when coaching.

What has been your greatest accomplishment in derby?

Winning the first WFTDA sanctioned game EVER vs Harrisburg at ECDX last year. At the end of the game we all cried and hugged in a circle for about 5 minutes. It was the epitome of everything we had worked for and to see all that hard work pay off was PRICELESS. I will never forget that moment

What is your goal for the 2013 season?

My goal this season is to push myself the hardest I can in any drill, game, or practice I participate in. I want to always push past that voice in my head saying give up and prove i can go farther and harder!

If you could change anything about roller derby what would it be?

I would shorten the amount of time in the penalty box because when your in the box one minute feels like forever, and it sucks just sitting there feeling helpless.

What is one of your pet peeves?

Unnecassary clapping! I know it sounds strange but i hate when people clap for no reason and my little sister and brother do it all the time.

What are you afraid of?

I’m terrified of the dark! I hate not being able to see or know whats around me.

Besides roller derby, what sports have you played?

I’ve played soccer, basketball, and field hockey.

Whats the hardest thing to do in roller derby?

Staying low at all times is hard. I always feel like I’m low and then I watch footage from games and realize I was nowhere near as low as I should have been.

What is one thing you were surprised to learn about roller derby?

I was shocked when I found out how many penalties there were. I always thought you skated and hit but there is a lot of rules you must follow to make a hit legal or to earn points with a legal pass.

If you could have one superpower what would it be?

I would love to be able to read minds!

What made you decide to join roller derby?

I was looking to do something active. My sister had joined Steel City Derby Demons the year before, so I looked to see what was available near me. I love roller skating – as I’ve skated since I was 4. It was a perfect fit.

What has been your most memorable moment in derby so far?

Every time I play is memorable. I especially enjoyed the game last summer with LIRR. There was this one jam in which I took the jammer out twice with two very memorable hits. The first from a standstill, the second … well there is a picture online of that one …

How did you choose your derby name?

I am a techie – Daemons are the processes that run in the background of the Linux operating system, getting things done. Daemons are also referenced in Plato’s writings, as Godlings, not quite mortal, not quite Divine. I am a web designer, also commonly called web master …  feminize that and you end up with Mistress.

What would you say is your biggest fear in and out of derby?

Derby is all about facing down fear. I don’t think I will ever be entirely comfortable jumping my teammates. Outside of derby, my fears are mainly related to my children, as I want the best for them.

What is one thing you want to accomplish in your life?

I would love to own my own business someday.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

I spend some time visualizing success in doing whatever skills I am working on and that I want to bring to the game.

Any hidden talents?

Many. But they wouldn’t be hidden if I told every one.

What is your favorite part about roller derby?

I love working with my teammates. I love the strategy.

What movie could you watch over and over and not get sick of?

Just about any James Bond movie.

What is your favorite book?

Sassinak by Anne McCaffrey

Photo Courtesy of Greg Paret

In February of 2012 my life changed forever. My partner had noticed he had a lump on his testicle and we shrugged it off as nothing but Dave had an upcoming physical so he’d mention it then. Teaching reproductive health, testicular cancer was a thing i THOUGHT i knew about.  “Its a harmless cancer, it’s so rare, if you are going to get cancer this is the one that isn’t so bad”. These were all phrases i heard repeated or had repeated myself. So when Dave came home and told me he was diagnosed with testicular cancer i didnt know what to do. First i cried then i gathered my thoughts and said “well surgery will get rid of this and sooner than we know this will be over”. Six months later the hardest was over but the everyday thoughts and worries have not ended.

Dave happened to have one of the more aggressive types of testicular cancer. He first had the testicle removed and we thought phew its over. Then it came back that he would need a very serious surgery called an RPLND. We were sent down to Sloan Kettering in NYC because they have the leading doctors who specialize in testicular cancer. After meeting with them we knew he had to have the RPLND but it all happened very fast. He was booked for surgery a week later. After weeks in the hospital and  several weeks of PT Dave was starting to come around and be able to do things.

During this time I was working during the day and then driving to the city at night to spend time with Dave. Once he was home i took a few weeks off since he was immobile most of the time. Once the surgery was behind us we found out worse news. Although the surgery was a success the cancer seemed to have already been spreading so two rounds of chemotherapy had to be ordered. Dave and I were a mess. Chemotherapy? That’s for people who are dying. Both of us have never really had to deal with cancer or anything this huge. All the stereotypes of chemotherapy came running into our minds, how would we deal with this?

As the days neared to chemotherapy, the costs piled up, the time i had to take off from work increased and we didn’t know what to expect. On the first day of chemotherapy a catscan was taken. This showed in the few weeks since the surgery a tumor had developed on Dave’s lung. That meant two rounds of chemo was now four…

During this time we were internally and externally freaking out about finances ,our jobs, our dogs, dave’s health etc. But our friends and families were there for us. They raised over $10,000 to help with the costs of treatment, travel and being out of work.We couldn’t believe that they could do that for us. Unlike a lot of people dealing with cancer we could finally put the financial worries behind us and focus on Dave’s health.

All through chemo i went to derby practice. I don’t think i missed more than 1 practice during this time. My derby family was just as important as my actual family. They surprised Dave and i and raised $500 dollars which paid for an entire round of chemo for us. This meant the world to us and during this time derby was the only place i had that could make me forget everything that was going on. Some nights my mom would beg me “just stay home tonight everyone at derby will understand” but that wasn’t why i went. I needed some kind of stress release and for me it was derby.

After the fourth round of chemo Dave was told he was cancer free. it was probably the happiest moment of our lives. But as time continues check ups occur frequently and during that time all the stress comes back for a day… i know Dave is wondering what if it comes back, what would we do…

Cancer has touched all of our lives in some way and after my experience i believe a positive mental attitude is the key to defeating anything. Although times may be rough you have to laugh and enjoy what you can, when you can. We were fortunate to have friends and family to help support us emotionally and financially without them i know we would have had a rougher time all around.

How did you come up with your name?

I was always stopping, collaborating, and/or listening.

What is your day job?

Lyrical poet.

What made you tryout for derby?

My burning desire to cook derby girls like a pound o’ bacon.

Whats the last movie you watched?

One with police on the scene-you know what I mean?

What is your biggest fear?

Harpoons, especially ones that flow daily AND nightly.

Do you have a favorite band?? Who?

I go crazy when I hear a cymbal.

What do you want your derby legacy to be?

Waxin chumps like candles, slicing like a ninja, cutting like a
razor blade, keeping my composure when it’s time to get loose, etc.

If you could come up with your own derby move what would you call it?

“Poisonous Mushroom” or “Too Cold”

What’s the best thing that has come from joining roller derby?

Getting to be a part of a sport that I love doing and having teammates who I know I could depend on for anything, on and off the track.

How did you choose your name?

I had an awful time coming up with a name, couldn’t find anything clever or special enough. Then one day I was talking to another skater who suggested it and it just stuck. I did throw in the K to personalize it however.

Do you have any fears?

Being alone in the dark in an unfamiliar place.

What would you like your derby legacy to be?

It’s my goal to become such an effective blocker that the other teams fear me.

Any hidden talents?

Claw machine wizard.

What’s your best derby memory?

My first away bout, we were playing upstate, outside and it was freezing and we only had two vet skaters to look to for guidance. By the end of the first half we were losing badly and some of us were looking pretty miserable and feeling unsure of ourselves. Then during halftime we had this amazing pep talk and it gave us a confidence boost that helped us pull it together in the second half. We didn’t win, but we broke 50 points and that was enough to make everyone happy, like truly happy. Being able to celebrate my team’s own, little victory was far more important than the score.

Any pet peeves?

Lack of common courtesy and people who chew loudly.

What is your dream job?

Getting paid to play roller derby would be amazing, but realistically I would love do sound effects for cartoons or to be a part of the production crew for a hit movie.

Your favorite junior roller derby league, the Hudson Valley Frightmares is gearing up to join the fight against cancer by hosting their very first fundraiser on October 21st! 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation. The event will be a two hour skate-a-thon with games, prizes and raffles. Skaters can also be sponsored for $1/lap.

The Frightmares don’t like cancer, in fact they are ready to WHIP CANCER’S BUTT! Come help the fight against cancer and have FUN doing it!

Frightmares Whips Cancer Event Details

When: October 21, 2012
Time: 5-7pm
Where: Hyde Park Roller Magic, 4178 Albany Post Rd. Hyde Park, NY 12538
Admission is $7 plus skate rental.
Contact: Tera Joules terajoules7@gmail.com

Derby or non derby related, who is your hero and why?

Probably my father. In spite of great adversity, the likes of which would make most bitter and angry, he lives a life of integrity, honesty, kindness and selflessness. He beat the odds. And, we Horrors always love the underdog!

Who do you think is your biggest fan?

Probably my father for this one, too! The Horrors aren’t the only ones who love an underdog 🙂

What advice would you give to women or girls interested in playing derby (horrors or frightmares)?

Fear is a liar. Don’t let fear stop you from trying. And don’t ever say it’s not worth trying because you’ll never be as good as Bonnie Thunders or Suzy Hotrod or whomever. Remember that those ladies were once beginners, too.

Whats your favorite thing about the Horrors?

We are a small league – it’s hard to have a successful and competitive team when so much energy has to be spent in just running the day-to-day operations. We face more of an uphill battle than other city-based leagues who have tons of members and ladies tripping over themselves to join. Yet in spite of that disadvantage, the majority of our skaters are truly team-minded – they understand that it may take us longer to grow and win, but they believe we’ll get there – through group effort, small successes and mutual respect, no matter how long it takes. And, no one here needs to be a super star – individual glory is insignificant to our skaters if not linked with team success. It’s the team that matters!

Besides the skates, gear, and derby name, what truly defines a roller derby player?

Her heart. Her conviction. Her dedication. Her team.

A genie gives you 3 wishes, what do you wish for?

#1: For every woman on our league, when feeling insecure or doubtful, to be able to see how *truly* remarkable and fierce they are!
#2: For derby players to be paid like our male counterparts in other sports. We should be banking like Derek Jeter for all this blood, sweat and tears!
#3: Access to skating and practice (and the endurance training of our speed coaches, Tony and Sue) 24/7!

What is your worst habit?

I swear like a <BLEEPING> sailor.

What is your goal for the 2013 season?

I’d love to see us take our game up a notch. But, I believe that is more of a certainty than a goal 😉 GO HORRORS

So what do you like to do early on a Friday morning? Go hang out with Coop, Cricket and Billy the Biker at the WPDH studio of course.

The Hudson Valley Horrors Roller Derby Team went on air with Billy the Biker to talk about the amazing sport of Derby and all the fun events happening with the team this fall. Our amazing friends at WPDH helped us out by promoting our Pancake (and stuff) event at Jimmy’s Place in Milton, that was a huge success.

Our girls talked about how life changing and motivational being a part of this team is to them. Even one of the teams Ref’s came out, and talked about what it takes to skate  with the girls, as well as stay non-biased while his Girlfriend is on the team. They went on air joking that “He had to do something to spend time with me.”

We loved starting our day off talking about Derby, and the crew at WPDH described it so well “they get knocked down, and pop back up, and keep skating.”  If you haven’t been to a bout, your next chance is on October 14^th as The Hudson Valley Horrors and The ZomBsquad take on The Ithaca League of Women Rollers in our Fright Night Double Header.

“No way we can scrimmage now” was pretty much all that went through my head after I passed my basic skills test this June. Derby has been part of my life for quite some time now but it took me a while to get where I am today…

Last season I signed up to be fresh meat with the Hudson Valley Horrors. My love for derby started in Philly when I used to volunteer with the  Philly roller girls there but when I moved back to NY I knew I had to actually skate…or learn how to skate at least. So I tried out, and found out a few days later I needed surgery. So I spent a month on a bench watching every practice absorbing as much I could, dying with anticipation to actually skate. At six weeks my doctor cleared me to finally skate! I skated my little heart out but when it came time for basic skills test I just couldn’t pull off the infamous 6 laps in 1 minute. My endurance just wasn’t there…which meant I needed to come back to tryout again months later.

Although this bursted my derby bubble, my teammates were so amazing and encouraging I came back with a vengeance and started fresh meat round two. This time I was ready but when I realized I had actually passed my test this time I was busting at the seams. And from that point on all I wanted to do was scrimmage!

We started off slowly scrimmaging with each other, then mixing in the vets amongst us at practice and I realized I was finally playing derby. Every practice I was excited to learn new things and have people hit me as hard as they could. Soon came time for our first “meat grinder” where we played all the new fresh meat graduates against each other for friends and family. It finally sank in, there is so much to remember! No matter how often your teammates explain to you this idea of “blender head” when you first start to play you don’t realize what that means until you have to keep an eye on the jammers, other blockers, pull off hits and try to help out your teammates. Although I was out of my element I knew I wanted more!

Recently I had my first scrimmage against another team and that was a totally different experience in itself. We went up to Troy to play the Hellions and I was nervous but ready to go. Skating in a different location against teammates that weren’t my own was all new to me. I was unsure what to expect but once game time started there wasn’t very much time to over analyze it. I played as best I could trying not to question my abilities but letting my teammates guide me through strategies.

The more I scrimmage the more I realize in derby you need to adapt…quick. There isn’t much time for you to get comfortable. You need to be able to adjust to new environments, different strategies, different teams and be confident in your skills and your teammates.

I am so lucky to have derby in my life and I can’t wait to experience the next chapter in it’s ever changing stages…September 22^nd I get to skate in my first official bout with the zomBsquad in an away game. I am so thrilled to have my teammates and managers talk me through my first bout and be a part of a team like the Hudson Valley Horrors, derby really does change lives.

– Bonnie Black Block #1999

What sparked your interest in roller derby?

I always wanted to play full contact sports but was told that they weren’t for ladies. Roller derby allowed me to be full contact and aggressive while showcasing femininity. I wanted to prove that women can be strong and tough and still have sugar and spice and stuff.

What has been your best derby moment?

I’d have to say that my moment is ongoing because training the Frightmares are my fave derby times. I enjoy teaching the kids how to play, being a role model and positive influence on our young ladies is important. I like to think I show them that it’s okay not to fit into the box and if they really want something/anything they can have it but they have to work for it. I sure wish roller derby was an option when I was a kid!

What is something your fans would be shocked to know about you?

Well, I won’t be playing the rest of the 2012 season because I’m Pregnant! Me and Suitor #1 are expecting a demon spawn. But, fans shouldn’t worry because I’ll be around at the rest of the 2012 games and plan to be back on the track and post baby angry mid-season 2013!

If you could move anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?

I can’t choose one place, I’d like to move around a lot and make frequent visits back to NY 🙂

How many tattoos do you have? Any of them derby related?

I have a few tattoos, one is derby.

How did you create your derby name

It was totally on the fly. I wanted to be Roxi Rumbles but twoevils rejected it and I couldn’t get in contact with the skater who had a similar name. So Ramalotte was chosen because I like to hit people 🙂 and i like to do it a lot. I don’t have a clear recollection of how Rxy got to be spelled this way but i do know there was an altercation with the letter o, and the 666 part came later- Hail Satan! 🙂

Do you have any pregame rituals?

Two days before, hydration begins. Drink. Drink. Drink. I also try to clear my mind of roller derby completely, I know how to play, I have the skills I’m going to have on gameday, and it doesn’t do me any good to stress out about who that team played and who won etc etc. One day before I drink more water, a B Monster smoothie, and eat some carbs for dinner. On gameday I wear Nike Pro Combat under-stuff, decide on what if any war paint I’ll be wearing, and stay calm. I try to eat hard boiled eggs, salads, and bananas or oranges or apples or whatever fruit our bout committee has provided in our locker room before we play.

Who are your three favorite bands?

My taste in music is super random, at any moment it could be totally different and I skip almost every song on my ipod. So, I’d never be able to say who my fave bands are but I can say who the last 3 artists I didn’t skip were (as of this mornings car ride). Jimi Hendrix, NoFx, and The Beatles.

Do you have any hidden talents?

Ha its not really hidden but i sing in a all female punk/ska band called Babe Patrol!

Do you have any fears or worries when it comes to playing derby? Other fears not concerning derby?

I don’t really have any fears about derby.. only that people won’t think its as amazing as it truly is! And I hate sharks!

We know you have a lot of tattoos but is there one that means the most to you?

This is the hardest question ever because all of my tattoos are extremely personal but i’d have to say the ones dedicated to friends i’ve lost over the years.

Do you play any other sports?

I played ice hockey and roller hockey for a number of years but the transition to quads was super hard.. i was only on them one time before it tried out for the team.

What is your goal for this season?

My goal this season is to be able to hear the refs when they yell at me and be a better jammer and blocker.. jam without cutting. And to be able to block and control.. not so much the hit!

What do you want your derby legacy to be?

I don’t really care.. as long as I have a legacy.. maybe hardest hitter ha ha

What made you join roller derby?

I was looking for a women’s hockey team to join and i was looking up rinks and roller magic came up. They had the Horrors on it and I was like ” oh i could definitely get into that!”

Have you had any serious injuries from playing derby?

Hahaha a lot of bruises.. a pulled groin, 2 ribs out of place, a chipped tooth and idk what else.

Photo Courtesy of Greg Paret

How did you hear about the Horrors?

Well, when I heard about the Horrors I didn’t live in the Hudson Valley I was just visiting friends. We were off to go hiking for the day and drove passed Roller Magic. My boyfriend yelled out to stop the car let’s go roller skating. All the rinks back home were all long since closed down. Needless to say we turned the car around, went to open skate and as we were leaving the owner of Roller magic handed me a tryouts flyer and told us all about the Horrors. I was immediately in love and that was when the fire was lit for us to move! About a year later we had moved and I was Fresh meat!
TRUE STORY.

How long have you been skating?

I grew up hitting my local roller rink but it had been at least 15 years since I put on quads. I was a roller blader until Derby. This is my second season in Derby.

What does your family think about your interest in derby?

I would say they don’t think much about it. It’s another “weird” thing that I am doing. My mom worries about the possibility of me getting hurt. I like to think my Dad secretly thinks it’s Bad Ass. Non of my family have ever seen me play.

How has derby impacted your life, both positively and negatively?

AMAZING… words cannot describe the group of people I am lucky enough to call my team mates and friends. I came here knowing very few people and now I have an amazing support system. Plus, derby makes you feel like you CAN DO ANYTHING! Oh, and the Derby monster ate my life.

Do you have any pre-game rituals?

Some things are best not shared.

What is your favorite derby position?

Blocker but, I aspire to be the player that can play all positions well.

If you could change any rule, what would it be and why?

I am hopeful for the day there are no more Minor penalties. I think eliminating minors would keep the intensity of the game up and leave the Ref’s to focus on the Major penalties. I think there would be less confusion for players, Ref’s, Officials and Fans.

Who is your roller derby role model?

I think everyone on my team is a role model to me in some way but, if I have to pick just one then I’m going to say my teammate Cherry Lifesaver. She has a great attitude, she’s so encouraging and helpful to her fellow skater, she has a healthy balance of seriousness and fun when it comes to derby, and she’s a beast on the track.