We have loads of dedicated athletes training with Roller Derby Athletics all the time. But every now and again, someone comes along and knocks our skates off with their dedication and determination. And we can’t help sharing our #rdaallstars success with the world!
Introducing: Slamuel L. Jackson, proud member of Ann Arbor Brawl Stars! Photo used with permission from David Oliver.
Coach Johnnie Knocks’Em nominated Jax, she is a dedicated member of our Essentials Training since November 2020 and has completed over 90 workouts with us. Her determination and consistency with workouts sets a great example. Thank you and Congratulations, Jax!!
Q&A with Slamuel L. Jackson
What do you get up to when you’re not playing derby?
You see, the thing is… when derby is happening my life is primarily derby. Like 75%. I’m a coach and a trainer for my league and it’s the most fulfilling thing I’ve ever experienced.
Outside of that, I’m a graphic designer. I like to read. Sometimes I play video games with my partner. I take a lot of pictures of our cats.
What are you working towards in derby right now?
Being the scariest pivot I can be. My ultimate goal is to be versatile as heck so I can be a person my team can count on to do whatever it takes, whenever it takes.
Any big successes or milestones for you in derby recently?
Making the charter after moving to a whole new role. I was a jammer for a few years. There was a point where I almost left roller derby and took a little time away to think about it. When I came back I decided to rebuild myself as a blocker. Turns out being a pivot is the best of both worlds!
How has off-skate training contributed to your derby experience?
I wouldn’t be able to play competitive roller derby if I didn’t train off skates. I’m the furthest thing from a natural athlete and I have to put in a lot of work to make progress. Working out has given me the endurance and strength to skate back-to-back jams whenever I needed to and actually have fun doing it.
What is your favourite thing about training with RDA?
Oh man, a lot of stuff so far. I gained a community of like-minded individuals working towards a common goal. Which is one of my favorite things about roller derby!
Losing my routine of go to work, go to the gym, go to practice last year was really difficult. I tried a few different programs (and life routines in general) and then eventually settled into writing my own workouts. It was additional WORK when I was already tired, it didn’t have a specific rhyme or reason sometimes, and I didn’t have anyone monitoring if I was actually being consistent or giving it my best.
I love that my workouts now have a purpose that directly connects to my sport. I love that if something comes up I can move them around in my schedule. I love that I can add in a la carte workouts if I am feeling spicy. I love that I have someone to ask questions to who knows their stuff and plays my sport. I love that I have multiple ways to measure progress and an app that reminds me that I’m achieving things.
Do you have a favorite RDA workout?
The stride builder workouts always surprise me AND make me feel like I can take on the world when I am done with them.
Anything else you want to tell the world about your derby or training experience this year?
I’m grateful for the RDA community! Many of us can’t return to play yet, but I feel like I’m going to be READY whenever that day comes.
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Congratulations to Jax! Thank you for being such a joy to work with and a sparkling addition to the derby community!