Villainelle
Name: Villainelle
Number: 19LN
What are the reasons behind your derby name/number?
When I’m not playing derby, I’m a writing and literature teacher. A villanelle is a kind of poem with a 19-line structure (19LN!). I like to think that derby is sometimes a lot like writing; it requires a certain combination of elegance, intuition, and intelligence.
Which position do you play?
Pivot and jammer
What is your favorite thing about derby?
The learning curve. I get better at something every time I set foot on the track. As a born perfectionist, I used to have a lot of trouble doing anything if I couldn’t do it right the first time. But derby has taught me to enjoy the feeling of screwing something up, then getting better. It reminds me how much I love learning.
What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned playing derby?
I’ve learned a lot about my own strength, and the strength of the other women on my team. I’m an outspoken feminist, and when I’m faced with someone who tries to argue that women are catty or petty or weak, I can produce hundreds of counter-examples of members of my league overcoming obstacles or resolving conflicts where others might simply give up.
What is your most memorable derby moment?
At our 2011 awards banquet I won Most Improved Player; knowing that my league mates had seen my growth enough to select me helped keep me pushing to do better. But also, this past weekend I got to play in Beaumont with the Diables as we took home a win with only 9 skaters. The high I felt blocking in that game was incomparable to any feeling I’ve ever had. (more…)
