What is the backstory on your Derby Name?
When I started derby I was unaware that a derby name was a must. I was strongly encouraged to find something I related to before someone else chose one for me.
I wanted a name that I felt described my personality. I have been described as feisty a time or two so I came up with Pistol. I added in Hips due to my law enforcement background. I felt it was a cute play on words and related to me personally as well as derby. That folks is how Pistol Hips came to be. 
When did you start roller derby?
I started Roller Derby April 4th, 2016. I was about to begin the last year of my twenties and it had been something I contemplated for many years, not sure why.
My husband and I were out one night and these girls came skating into the bar we were in, like they owned the place. They passed out fliers and one girl stopped to talk to me for a few minutes. I had every excuse for why I couldn’t and she had every reason as to why I should! That conversation stuck with me. A few months later I started boot camp. That very same girl who passed me a flier in a little bar is now one of my closest friends.
Why did you start derby?
I started Derby for a number of reasons. The more I think about this question, the more reasons come to mind. First was, it was something I simply wanted to try. I wanted an extra curricular for myself. I knew little to nothing about the sport. I didn’t know anyone who played and I wanted to push myself to step outside of my comfort zone and just go for it! I lacked real girlfriends in my life and thought perhaps getting outside of my box, trying something new, while challenging myself could lead to new friendships. If I had only known!
Has your why changed over the years?
I would not say my why has changed but grown stronger and more passionate. I look forward to skating, sweating, laughing, hitting, and being hit by these ladies every week. I look forward to seeing how this league of strong, smart, intellectual,
opinionated woman challenges me. I look forward to seeing how my team addresses new challenges with each opposing team we face. I look forward to seeing how I can become a better skater, stronger teammate, and opponent.
Four things you wish you knew when you first started derby that you know now.
- I wished I had known that it’s okay to have bad days and practices or games that don’t go the way you want them to. It makes you try harder and push yourself more the next time.
- I wished I had known that I am breakable but I am also capable of strengthening and rebuilding my skills.
- I wished I had known just how much I was missing out on.
- I wished I had known that I was joining a sisterhood not just a league.
