One of the original skaters to help form the Keweenaw Roller Girls, Sparkle brings to the sport sunshine, rainbows, and all things spectacular. She is the queen of costume. Besides her flair, Sparkle is an amazing track communicator and makes sure we all know what’s going on where. She is the eyes in the back of our heads. This month we honor her as featured skater and as a reward for her dedication to the league, a session with Elizabeth Ross, acupuncturist and sponsor of the Keweenaw Roller Girls.
Name: Sparkle Smackdown
Number: 8
Team History: Douglass Houghton was elected mayor of Detroit in 1842
Year you started roller derby: 2012
Where are you from originally? My Mothers womb.
Name a fun little known fact about you: Spent a summer living among the bears
How did you get involved with roller derby? It was my birthright handed down from Thor.
How did you pick your name? It is an alliteration.
What is your pre-derby sports/skating background? I played Lacrosse and was a Downhill Ski Racer in high school.
Please tell us about your rookie year and how you learned to play roller derby: By falling, falling a lot.
Do you have a pre-game ritual? Puking and EDM (electronic dance music).
Do you have a favorite motivational quote? Be the Bear.
What is your position of choice? Pivot so I can yell at people.
How would you describe your derby playing style? Do you have a signature move? Trying to out-think rather than outplay; scheming.
What are some of your greatest roller derby accomplishments on the track? Making a really good wave happen in the crowd. (Editors note: We couldn’t agree more!)
What is your job outside of roller derby? And how, if at all, has it contributed to your experience of roller derby? Who has time for jobs???
What advice do you have for people who want to play roller derby? Do it.
And lastly, favorite places in the Keweenaw? Big Traverse Bay