What’s your derby name & number?
Squid Pro Quo (Squid)
#00
What’s your age & job?
28
Middle School Special Education Teacher for Chicago Public Schools
Do you live in the city or the suburbs?
Chicago
How long have you been a part of the Dames?
For 5 years!!!!
How did you get involved with the Dames?
I graduated from college and moved to Chicago for a job. All of my college friends took jobs in different parts of the state and I was really lonely. A friend of mine played derby in Oregon and said how much she loved it. I went to see a Windy City Rollers game and felt that derby would be a good way to make friends. I researched different leagues and found one that was recruiting. They were a south suburbs rec league. I learned to skate with them for a few months, but they were not a competitive league and I felt like I needed some competition in my life. I had met a few Dames at a mixer and thought that they were really nice, and the Dames happened to be recruiting new members. I remember being really nervous going to my tryout, but thankfully I made the cut, and I have been skating with them for 5 years.
What is your favorite part about being a Dame?
I don’t know about my favorite par,t but one of my favorite memories of being a Dame is from my wedding. For my wedding, my team decided that they should dress each other in thrift store outfits. They drew names from a hat and had to dress that person. I got to judge best dressed and that person’s designer won. Because we all love competition, everyone’s outfit was completely ridiculous. It was a fun night and I am so glad that my friends were there.
How has playing roller derby and/or being a Dame changed you?
I am constantly being challenged to do new things. Whether it be jumping the apex, or going to a Korean Spa.
Finish this sentence, “The Dames represent…”
The Dames represent a whole lot of weirdos doing things they love together.
What advice would you give someone thinking about joining roller derby?
Just do it!
What is your bout day ritual?
I use to have a bunch of things that I obsessed over (food, special socks, special underwear) but eventually those superstitions left. Now I make sure that I eat a big breakfast and a lighter lunch. The only constant in my game day now, is that I am always missing part of my uniform (even though I swear I put it in the same spot) which will require me to dump out the contents of my dresser.
What is your favorite mantra you like to say to yourself to stay motivated/focused when you’re on the track?
In my first season with the Dames, Crissy Crossbones had a bunch of really cool stickers she was giving out. One had the words “GET UP” spray painted over “GIVE UP.” It has been on my helmet ever since.
How do you train off the track to keep your body derby ready?
I ocellate between interval training and eating Cheetos.😊
What snack/meal do you eat before/after practice to prepare/recover?
I stop at Taco Bell on the I-294 Oasis after practice way too many times a week. They may know me…
What is something interesting that no one would guess about you?
I love composting and keeping a worm bin for my garden. Black Gold, yo!!
Do you have any stupid human tricks?
I have the uncanny ability to always stand in the worst place possible. If there is one place in a room where I can be in the way I will unknowingly pick it.
Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert?
Very introverted, but I like being around my group of close friends.
If you had to describe yourself in one word, what would it be?
Stubborn
What’s your most embarrassing derby moment?
At our last tournament, my derby wife SMAC! and I caught the other team’s jammer behind the pack. This was a really jukey jammer and we were so focused on our partner work and holding this jammer that we failed to notice we were over 60 feet behind the pack (super illegal). We couldn’t stop laughing throughout our entire trip to the penalty box. They ended up holding an official review to determine what our additional penalties should be, but nothing was decided. I choose to think we didn’t receive insubordinations because we were just so happy to block together!
If you’ve traveled to a tournament, what’s your favorite tournament memory?
SO MANY! On our way to Midwest Derby Fest my car group left a day early and stopped at wineries all the way down to Missouri. We also unknowingly drove through a tornado on the way home.
At K-Town Shakedown my car passed a field of wild turkeys and everyone immediately rolled down their windows and started making turkey calls.
If you could fangirl any derby player, who would it be and why?
#22 Polygon for the Texas Rollergirls. She plays incredibly smart and brutal offense.
What’s the one derby skill you still struggle with and it frustrates you to no end?
My left plow. My left foot never wants to cooperate.
Lastly, what one word comes to mind when someone says 27/5?
Achievable!
Photo by Steve Jurkovic Roller Derby Photography
A rookie Squid with her previous league playing against the Dames
Photo by Steve Jurkovic Roller Derby Photography
The Dames in their thrift store fashion at Squid's wedding
Squid & Crissy Crossbones sporting some awesome lion "tattoos"
Photo by Steve Jurkovic Roller Derby Photography
A sweet little Squid Pro Quo
